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Melinda French is opening up about the difficult and "painful" decision that led to her 2021 divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Reflecting on their 27-year marriage, French revealed why, in hindsight, she believes ending the relationship was “necessary.”
While Gates has previously called their split the “mistake [he] most regrets” in life, French sees the breakup through a different lens. During an interview with The Sunday Times, the author of 'The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward' described the decision to divorce as inevitable, as they were both on different paths.
For her, the breakdown of her marriage was not only painful but also a necessity. “It was something that was necessary,” she told the publication. “If you can’t live your values out inside your most intimate relationship, it was necessary.”
She emphasized that she couldn’t remain in a relationship where her core values didn’t align with her partner’s. While the decision to divorce was challenging, she explained that it ultimately became clear to her that she needed to prioritize her well-being.
French previously explained to People that she found herself losing a sense of self “in the decade or so before my marriage fell apart,” and called her decision to leave her former husband one of the "hardest and most important things” she has done.
She also talked about his comments on the divorce, as he said their divorce was “the mistake [he] most regrets," revealing that she is confused by his statement. “I don’t even quite know what to make of that statement, so I’m not going to comment on what he says. He’s got his own life. I have my life now. I am very happy,” French remarked.
French has declared she is moving forward and embracing the future with positivity. “I have had so many friends introduce me to people, and it’s been lovely,” she shared, adding that she has had issues with dates being intimidated by her success.
“I’m sure some are and some aren’t. But I’m not really looking for somebody who would be intimidated by my status," she added. Meanwhile, Gates is navigating a new relationship with Paula Hurd and seems to be also moving forward from their relationship.