The two said in their statement they will continue to work together on the namesake philanthropic foundation.
Bill and Melinda Gates announced Monday that they are divorcing but will continue to work together on the namesake philanthropic foundation.
Bill, Microsoft’s billionaire founder, and Melinda, author and businesswoman, have announced their decision to separate after 27 years of marriage in a tweet from their accounts.
“In the last 27 years, we have created three incredible children and we have laid the foundations that work around the world to help all people live healthy, productive lives,” he said. “We will continue to believe in the project and will continue to work together on a foundation, but we do not believe we can grow together as a family in the next phase of our lives.”
The pair also asked for privacy during this time.
– Melinda French Gates (@melindagates) May 3, 2021
Bill Gates, 65, founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen. The total cost is about $ 130.5bn, according to Forbes, and has donated Microsoft $ 35.8bn on behalf of the couple.
He announced last year that he was stepping down from Microsoft to work full-time as his fellow chairman.
Melinda Gates, 56, is a co-founder and founder of Pivotal Ventures, a fundraising and development company that focuses on advancing the interests of American women and families.
Bill and Melinda Gates Council donated $ 5.1bn to recipients in 135 countries by 2019, and employs 1,602 people, according to its website.
In 2020, the foundation announced that it was making more than $ 1.75bn supporting global response to COVID-19.
Since its inception, the foundation has said it has provided more than $ 54.8bn in direct payments.
