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Melinda Gates just put the final nail in the coffin of her relationship with her ex-husband, Bill Gates. The philanthropist has ended a longtime business partnership with the Microsoft founder, breaking all ties with the father of her children. Melinda and Bill ended their marriage 27 years in 2021, but it seems their post-divorce relationship isn’t void of drama.
Melinda Gates Walks Away From Gates Foundation
The philanthropist announced her exit from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in a social media post. “After careful thought and consideration, I have decided to resign from my role as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,” she began. “My last day of work at the foundation will be June 7th.” Melinda explained that the decision to leave didn’t come “lightly.” Nevertheless, she is “immensely proud” of all the work she and Bill did with the foundation.
The 59-year-old explained that her exit from the foundation presents the right time for her “to move forward into the next chapter of my philanthropy.” As part of the new chapter spoken about, Melinda revealed that she and Bill reached a financial agreement of some sort.
“Under the terms of my agreement with Bill, in leaving the foundation, I will have an additional $12.5 billion to commit to my work on behalf of women and families.”
Melinda French Gates
Melinda Ended Things With Her Reporter Boyfriend
The socialite’s decision to step away comes a month after her relationship with former Fox reporter Jon Du Pre ended. The television personality was Melinda’s first public relationship following her divorce from Bill. However, the lovers couldn’t last the mile as they called it quits after just two years of dating. Per Page Six, Melinda sparked engagement rumors before news of the breakup.
She was spotted in New York, wearing a huge diamond ring while disembarking from a helicopter. However, a representative for Melinda denied the rumors saying, “Melinda is not engaged and is no longer dating Jon Du Pre.”