Melinda and Bill Gates announced to the world that they were divorcing in a joint statement on 3 May 2021. The couple had been together since 1994 and welcomed three children into the world: Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22, who is forging a path of her own.
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Almost four years on from their divorce, Melinda opened up about the situation in an exclusive interview with People. The mum-of-three talks about various aspects of her separation from Bill, from the moment she decided they should live separately to the panic attacks she experienced.
Melinda French Gates opens up about her panic attacks
In the exclusive interview with People, Melinda talks about her separation from Bill and also reflects on the situation through her upcoming book, The Next Day, which is released on 15 April.
Melinda explained that her ex-husband hadn’t hidden the fact that he had been unfaithful to her and acknowledged the situation publicly. Speaking about the ‘betrayals’ in her marriage, the philanthropist said she had to ‘stay true to herself’.
In her upcoming book, Melinda revealed that she had begun having nightmares about a ‘beautiful house collapsing all around her’ in 2019. She said she would wake up in a panic almost every night.
Her nightmares continued but eventually changed to her, Bill, who recently revealed who his fortune will go to, and their three children standing at the edge of a cliff and ‘plummeting into the void’. She went on to add that this was the point she realised she had to make a decision.
As dramatic as it sounds, I knew, in that moment, that I was going to have to make a decision—and that I was going to have to make it by myself.
Melinda has experienced panic attacks in the past, which motivated her to seek help. She has been seeing the same therapist for the past 10 years.
She also opened up about the moment she talked to Gates about them separating.
Melinda French Gates talks about her divorce
Bill and Melinda took a vacation in New Mexico together in February 2020, which Melinda had originally planned to spend alone. While on that vacation, Melinda realised she wanted to live separately from her husband.
It was decided that Melinda would stay in their home with their youngest daughter, Phoebe, who at the time was a senior in high school. Melinda revealed that her ex-husband was ‘sad and upset’ but also ‘understanding and respectful’. Eventually, Melinda concluded that she wanted to divorce the Microsoft co-founder.
Reflecting on her divorce, Melinda told People:
It takes courage forging a different life. When you change paths, you realise, oh, it’s a big opening.
Melinda French Gates in a new relationship
In the same interview with People, Melinda talks about whether or not she is dating. The mum-of-three revealed that she is, but is reluctant to name her new beau or share much information. However, per the magazine, she has been photographed holding hands with entrepreneur Philip Vaughn.
Speaking about her new relationship, Melinda revealed she’s ‘very, very happy’ but doesn’t want to share any more details.
I am, yes, very, very happy. I’m just going to leave it there. I’m quite happy.
Read more:
Bill Gates on his relationship with Paula Hurd: 'I'm lucky to have a serious girlfriend'
Bill Gates’ love life: Who has the billionaire dated over the years?
Sources used:
People: ‘Melinda French Gates' Divorce from Bill Unfolded in Secret for a Year amid Nightmares and Panic Attacks (Exclusive)’
People: ‘Melinda French Gates Reveals She Is Dating Again and ‘Very Happy’ in a New Relationship (Exclusive)’
