Bill Gates Wife Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Melinda French was born on August 15, 1964, in Dallas, Texas. She grew up in a middle-class family and demonstrated an early aptitude for computers, a passion that would eventually lead her to Microsoft and, ultimately, to her husband, Bill Gates.

After graduating from Duke University with a degree in computer science and economics in 1986, Melinda began her career at Microsoft as a product manager. She worked on several products, including the company’s first mouse and the early versions of Microsoft’s operating systems. Her work ethic and technical prowess quickly earned her respect within the company, and she rose through the ranks to become general manager of information products.

**Melinda French Gates’ Current Net Worth (2025)**

As of 2025, Melinda French Gates’ net worth is estimated to be around $65 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is largely a result of her stake in Microsoft, the tech giant co-founded by her ex-husband, Bill Gates. Following their divorce in 2021, Melinda’s net worth has remained substantial, placing her among the world’s wealthiest individuals.

**Melinda French Gates’ Career**

Melinda French Gates, born on August 15, 1964, is an American businesswoman and philanthropist. She joined Microsoft in 1987, working her way up to become the general manager of information products. In 2000, she co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with her then-husband, focusing on global health, development, education, and climate change initiatives. Post-divorce, she continues to lead the foundation as co-chair.

**Melinda French Gates’ Other Ventures**

Beyond her work at the foundation, Melinda French Gates is also a best-selling author. She co-wrote “The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World” in 2019, which became a New York Times bestseller. She is also a board member of several organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

**Melinda French Gates’ Assets**

Melinda French Gates’ assets include a significant stake in Microsoft, valued at over $2 billion as of 2021. She also owns several properties, including a $50 million estate in Medina, Washington, and a $9 million ranch in Wyoming. Her philanthropic work is primarily channeled through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has assets worth over $50 billion.

**Melinda French Gates’ Annual Income**

Melinda French Gates’ annual income is primarily derived from her stake in Microsoft and her role at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. As of 2021, her annual income from Microsoft was estimated to be around $10 million. Her salary from the foundation is not publicly disclosed, but it’s a fraction of her total wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Bill Gates Wife

Frequently Asked Questions: Bill Gates’ Wife Net Worth

1. Who is Bill Gates’ wife?

Bill Gates’ wife is Melinda French Gates. They got married on January 1, 1994, and have three children together.

2. What is Melinda French Gates’ net worth?

As of the latest estimates, Melinda French Gates’ net worth is approximately $65 billion.

3. How does Melinda French Gates’ net worth compare to Bill Gates’?

Bill Gates’ net worth is estimated to be around $139 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in the world. Melinda’s net worth is roughly half of Bill’s.

4. How did Melinda French Gates make her money?

Melinda French Gates co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with her husband in 2000. She is also a board member of several organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations and the Global Fund.

5. What is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a philanthropic organization established by Bill and Melinda Gates to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty globally.

6. How much money does Melinda French Gates donate to charity?

Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda and Bill Gates have donated billions of dollars to various causes, including global health, education, and poverty alleviation.

7. What is Melinda French Gates’ educational background?

Melinda French Gates graduated from Duke University with a degree in computer science and economics. She also holds an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.

8. What is Melinda French Gates’ role in Microsoft?

Before her marriage to Bill Gates, Melinda worked at Microsoft as a marketing manager. After their marriage, she focused on raising their children and philanthropic work.

9. What are Melinda French Gates’ interests outside of philanthropy?

Melinda French Gates is interested in gender equality and has written a book titled “The Moment of Lift” which focuses on empowering women and girls worldwide.

10. What is the couple’s stance on divorce rumors?

In 2021, Bill and Melinda Gates announced their intention to divorce after 27 years of marriage. However, they have stated that they will continue to work together on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and co-chair it together.