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 Peoplein 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.
“Despite the fact that the divorce wasn’t great, having those three kids, the work we were able to do together—even if I knew that it [wouldn’t] last forever, I would still do it again,” Bill said during a February appearance on Today. “I’ve moved past the divorce, and Melinda’s doing well. I’ve got a lot of work that I love to do.”
Besides, Bill has a new love in his life.
“That’s right, I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend,” he shared of Paula Hurd, who he’s been linked to since 2023. “We’re having fun.”
Meanwhile, Melinda is also dating again. As she recently told People, she’s “very, very happy.”
Read on to look back at the most expensive celebrity divorces.
Tiger Woods & Elin Nordegren
The golf star’s reputation was shattered when news broke about his adulterous behavior with not one, not two, but dozens of women. He and his wife, Swedish model Elin Nordegren, officially divorced in August of 2010 after being married for nearly six years and having two children together. Tiger reportedly handed over a whopping $750 million in their divorce, although the final settlement was undisclosed.
Jennifer Lopez & Cris Judd
“Love Don’t Cost a Thing…” in theory. After Cris was hired to direct this music video for J.Lo, the pair married in September of 2001. However, the singer-actress filed for divorce from her husband and former choreographer after less than a year of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. Although they settled for an undisclosed amount, there are numerous reports J.Lo shelled out $14 million.
Mel & Robyn Gibson
In one of the priciest Hollywood divorces to date, Robyn Gibson, Mel’s wife of 28 years reportedly received half of Mel’s $850 million net worth, thanks to the absence of a prenuptial agreement. The couple had seven children together and according to E! News reports, the longtime duo spent two years ironing out their settlement.
Madonna & Guy Ritchie
The material girl had to hand over quite a bit of it when she and the director ended their seven-year marriage in 2008 without a prenuptial agreement. The price tag? Between $72 million and $92 million, the pop icon’s spokeswoman said at the time.
Paul McCartney & Heather Mills
From the church to the courtroom…the Beatles frontman and Heather Mills said their vows in 2002, but called it quits just four years later. Following a slew of legal battles, Mills reportedly received nearly $48.7 million of Paul’s fortune when their divorce was finalized in 2008. In addition, Heather allegedly received an addition $70,000 a month for their then 4-year-old daughter Beatrice.
Donald & Ivana Trump
Donald and Ivana married in a lavish ceremony in 1977, but divorced in 1992 amidst rumors of his reported affair with former beauty queen Marla Maples. After three children and 15 years together, Ivana reportedly received $20 million, although the settlement remains sealed by courts.
Kevin & Cindy Costner
Oh, the troubles of young love. College sweethearts Kevin and Cindy married in 1978 when the two were both still in school and divorced 16 years later in 1994. They had three children together, Annie, Lily and Joe. Cindy reportedly received $80 million in the settlement.
Neil Diamond & Marcia Murphey
Neil reportedly fell in love with the TV producer while he was still married to his first wife, Jane Posner. Marcia married the singer-songwriter in 1969, had two of his children, sons Jesse and Micah, filed for divorce 25 years later, citing irreconcilable differences, and walked away with half of Neil’s earnings—$150 million. However, Neil isn’t bitter; he later said that “she’s worth every penny.”
Michael & Juanita Jordan
After 17 years together and an attempt at reconciliation, basketball star Michael Jordan and his wife, Juanita Jordan, officially divorced in 2006. The duo tied the knot in 1989 in Las Vegas and have three children together. In a massive divorce settlement, Michael reportedly shelled out $168 million.
Kenny Rogers & Marianne Gordon
Country crooner Kenny Rogers is no stranger to divorce—he’s been married five times—but the most expensive split was with his fourth wife, Marianne Gordon. After 16 years of marriage and one child together, the couple divorced in 1993 and Rogers reportedly shelled out a cool $60 million.
Lionel & Diane Richie
Lionel Richie and Diane Alexander, a former dancer and fashion designer, called it quits in 2003 after seven years, two kids and a slew of irreconcilable differences. In Diane’s alimony petition, she reportedly claimed a monthly clothing allowance of $15,000 as well as a plastic surgery budget of $20,000 a year. The payout? An estimated $20 million from Richie.
Ron Perelman & Ellen Barkin
The businessman married his fourth wife in June of 2000 after meeting the actress at a Vanity Fair Oscar afterparty. Their marriage ended in 2006. Ellen reportedly received an “enormous” settlement and also allegedly made more than $20 million when she sold off jewelry Ron had once given her.
Steven Spielberg & Amy Irving
On again…off again…on again…then off again for good. The actress dated the director briefly in the late ‘70s—breaking up to momentarily date Willie Nelson, her costar in the film Honeysuckle Rose—and married Steven in 1985. Unfortunately, the flame was only rekindled for four years, and in 1989, the two divorced and Amy reportedly walked away with a $100 million settlement.
Harrison Ford & Melissa Mathison
After 18 years together and a brief attempt at reconciliation, Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison called in quits in 2001. The couple—who have two children together—officially dissolved their marriage in 2004. After two decades together, no prenup and millions at stake, Melissa reportedly received a whopping $118 million of Harrison’s cash.
Alex Rodriguez & Cynthia Scurtis
Alex and Cynthia called it quits in 2008 after six years and two children together. The final settlement in the multi-million dollar case remains undisclosed.
Michael Douglas & Diandra Luker
The Oscar-winning actor married the daughter of an Austrian diplomat in 1977 when she was 19 and had a son with her a year later. In 1995, Diane filed for divorce and reportedly received a $45 million settlement, as well as a share in projects related to work Michael did while they were together.
Hulk & Linda Hogan
After 23 years of marriage and two children—daughter Brooke and son Nick—Linda filed for divorce from her husband when she heard of the professional wrestler’s affair withChristianePlante. Linda reportedly received an agreement worth over $30 million, including more than 70 percent of the couple’s liquid assets, a handful of luxury cars, $3 million property settlement and 40 percent ownership in his companies.
Mick Jagger & Jerry Hall
TheRolling Stones frontman married the model in 1990. Jerry filed for divorce in 1999 after she discovered Mick fathered a child with Brazilian model Luciana Morad. But after nine years together, Jerry was allegedly awarded $25 million in their divorce settlement.
Jeff Gordon & Brooke Sealey
The Daytona 500 winner married Brooke in 1994, only to divorce eight years later in 2002. Although the former couple didn’t have any children together Jeff still coughed up a hefty settlement—a reported $15 million.
