Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates’ relationship isn’t binary.
In fact, the former couple—who share kids Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22—still maintain a friendship despite their breakup in 2021 after 27 years of marriage.
“Naturally, Bill and I see each other every now and then at family events, such as graduations,” Melinda told People in an interview published April 3. “When [we] do, it’s friendly.”
The billionaire philanthropist—who is also a grandmother to Jennifer’s daughters Leila, 2, and Mia, 5 months—explained what prompts their cordial connection, noting, “One of the most important things in my life is being present for the big moments in my children’s—and now my grandchildren’s—lives.”
As for Bill? The Microsoft cofounder previously called the divorce from Melinda “the mistake I most regret.”
“You would have to put that at the top of the list,” Bill told the U.K. newspaper The Times in January. “There are others but none that matter. The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.”
However, the Source Code author later clarified that, while he and Melinda had a great relationship, he was not hoping to get back together with her.
