Bill and Melinda Gates announced their separation in 2021. The two share three adult children: Jennifer Gates Nassar and Rory and Phoebe Gates. Bill Gates opened up about his divorce after three decades of marriage in a candid interview with the UK Times, and he said that the dissolution of their union made “the top of his list” of mistakes.

On a personal note, when asked what she’d want somebody to find if they searched for updates on her down the line, French Gates replied that she’d want the public to see “she’s thriving on the other side of a divorce.” As for her now, the Pivotal Ventures founder told Elle she is focused on her work while still making time for her personal life.

Melinda French Gates cautioned the public against seeing billionaires as monoliths, saying instead she tried to raise her children with a sense of normality.