Melinda French Gates Reflects on Life After Divorce in New Memoir

SEATTLE, Wash. — Melinda French Gates discusses her new memoir, “The Next Day,” which chronicles her transformative journey following her high-profile divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

The memoir outlines the intimate struggles French Gates faced as her marriage deteriorated and her commitment to philanthropy deepened. In an interview, she reflects on her past difficulties and newfound empowerment after leaving the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a powerful philanthropic institution they co-founded.

“I never expected to be writing a book like this,” she states, emphasizing the unexpected turns of her life in recent years. “There’s a lot that has happened that I didn’t see coming,” she adds.

In the book, she addresses challenges that arose in her marriage—specifically citing a New York Times article linking Bill Gates to Jeffrey Epstein as a pivotal moment. “The article raised serious questions about Bill’s conduct — questions that suggested he had betrayed not only our marriage but also our values,” she writes. A spokeswoman for Gates confirmed his regret over his association with Epstein.

Throughout the divorce proceedings, French Gates describes feelings of panic and confusion, epitomized by recurring nightmares and anxiety. Her journey to reclaim herself included therapy and a gathering of friends she calls her “Truth Council,” who supported her decision to leave.

“I’ve just got to a point in life at 60 where I’ve been through a lot. Life has a lot of lessons for us,” she reflects, conveying a sense of hope and transformation in her current life.

Meanwhile, French Gates has become actively involved in empowering women through her organization, Pivotal Ventures. She exemplifies this commitment with a pledge to commit $2 billion to support gender inequality initiatives in the U.S., amplifying her voice for women’s rights amidst rising concerns over reproductive health issues.

“I never thought my granddaughters would have fewer rights than I had,” she shares, adding weight to her urgency. “It’s not just that all women have rights; we need to act to protect them.” In a time when reproductive rights are being threatened across the nation, she views her philanthropic mission as essential.

Her commitment extends beyond advocacy, as she emphasizes her desire to change the narrative on philanthropy. French Gates aims to invest in initiatives that focus on women’s health and workforce inclusion, maintaining a vision of empowerment through collaboration.

Touching upon her family, she highlights the values instilled in her children. “I want them to have their own earnings and successes, to be significant, and not overshadowed by good fortune,” she remarks, in line with statements made by her ex-husband about wealth.

Amid these personal and professional transitions, French Gates notes that she is now happily dating and navigates her new lifestyle with vigor. “I’m enjoying dating. I have had friends introduce me to people, and it’s been lovely,” she shares.

French Gates reflects on her post-divorce life not as a period of loss, but of rebirth. “If you can’t live your values out in your most intimate relationship, then you need to seek something different,” she emphasizes, provoking readers to reconsider their narratives of personal and societal change.