Melinda French Gates recently spoke about her life, personal challenges and commitment to helping the equality of women and people of color. The philanthropist was named one of the women of the year by USA Today, which praises "women who have had a significant impact."
In addition to her personal commitment to this mission around the globe, she talked about some of the personal battles she has faced throughout her life, including her divorce from Bill Gates, which she considers one of the most difficult periods in her life.
"We all have low moments," the 57-year-old said. "I would say maybe, or, for sure, my hardest moment in life was when I finally came to the decision where I knew I had to end the marriage."
"It was not something I thought would happen to me. It certainly was not what I thought the day I got married, but I realized, I had to make a healthier choice," she added. "It was a very, very sad day."
Their divorce was finalized in August 2021.
Melinda has previously revealed that her ex-husband's friendship with child and women trafficker Jeffrey Epstein played a role in the decision to end the marriage. "I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no. I made that clear to her, "she told CBS Mornings earlier this month. However, he clarified that this was not the only reason for the dissolution of the marriage, adding that "it was not one thing, but many things".
The former couple, who co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, are the parents of Jennifer, 25, Phoebe, 19, and son Rory, 22.
