This post has been updated since its original publication date to include new info
Both Bill Gates and Melinda Gates have spoken publicly about their 2021 divorce on several occasions over the past few years. And now, Melinda is opening up about it once again, but on a much larger scale.
The 60-year-old philanthropist has just released a new book titled The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward, in which she candidly reflects on her separation from the 69-year-old Microsoft co-founder in ways she has never before. And she isn’t holding back during the book’s promotion, either. Keep reading for more information…
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Melinda Gates Details The Moment She Asked Bill Gates For A Divorce
Realizing you need to start over at 60 years old is no easy thing to accept. In her book, the tech-savvy businesswoman reveals that she knew she had to make a decision about their 27-year marriage when she began having nightmares in which her home collapsed around her, often waking up in the midst of a panic attack.
"As dramatic as it sounds," she writes, "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 recalled how she invited Bill on a trip to New Mexico shortly after. On the final night, she told him she wanted to live separately and planned to remain in their home with their youngest daughter, Phoebe. "It was one of the scariest conversations I've had," she confessed.
Melinda Gates Talks About 'Betrayals' And Finding The Courage To Move On
In both her book and a recent People interview promoting it, the global advocate for women and girls has reflected on the "betrayals"– a word she uses in her book, which we assume is in reference to Bill's admitted infidelities – in her marriage. While she doesn't go into specific detail, she writes: "Bill has publicly acknowledged that he wasn't always faithful to me."
Speaking to People, Melinda emphasized the importance of staying true to yourself in these kinds of moments, telling the pub: "You have to stay true to yourself always, right?" However, she was quick to clarify that she isn't trying to offer advice to anyone, as everyone's story is different. "I'm not trying to give advice to anybody," she continued, adding: "But it was important for me to be real."
Melinda also acknowledged that her divorce is still a painful topic, saying: "It's still hard to talk about. But hopefully, it might be helpful to someone else."
Melinda Gates Reveals Bill Gates Was 'Sad And Upset' When She Asked Him For A Divorce
The tech giant has admitted in the past that he cheated on his wife numerous times, which Melinda touches on in her book. "Bill has publicly acknowledged that he wasn't always faithful to me," Melinda explained, so her coming to him and asking him for a divorce certainly wasn't out of the blue.
Bill was "sad and upset," Melinda recalled of their conversation about living separately, but also "understanding and respectful." This conversation took place in February 2020, but the pair didn't publicly announce their divorce until May 2021, which she described as a "grueling" process.
"It takes courage forging a different life," Melinda concludes. "When you change paths, you realize, oh, it's a big opening."
