Bill Gates has publicly acknowledged his new relationship with Paula Hurd, the 62-year-old widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd,
just weeks after describing his divorce from ex-wife Melinda French Gates as the “worst mistake” of his life.
Gates, 69, made the revelation during an interview on *The Today Show*, where he opened up about his personal life and recent projects.
His admission marks a significant moment in his post-divorce life, following a lengthy period of speculation about his relationship with Hurd.
The former Microsoft CEO, who was married to Melinda for 27 years, made headlines when the couple announced their split in May 2021.
The marriage, which produced three children, ended after more than two decades.
Gates, known for his philanthropic endeavors through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, expressed regret about the divorce in recent interviews, stating it was a painful experience for both him and his ex-wife. In a December interview with *The Times*, Gates called the divorce “the mistake I most regret,” reflecting on the emotional toll it took on his life.
Despite the personal challenges, Gates has moved forward with his romantic life. His relationship with Paula Hurd began to attract attention after they were spotted together in various public settings. Initially, Hurd’s identity remained unclear to the public, but in January 2023, the couple was seen exploring Sydney, Australia, taking in the sights around the Opera House and enjoying a quiet stroll by the harbor. Since then, their relationship has been more openly discussed, with the two attending significant events together, including the 2024 Olympics and a Baylor University basketball game.
During his *Today Show* appearance, Gates described his romance with Hurd as “serious,” saying, “I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula,” adding that they are having “fun” together, enjoying activities like attending the Olympics. Gates also mentioned his new memoir, *Source Code: My Beginnings*, which details his early life and the founding of Microsoft. He included a special acknowledgment for Hurd in the book, calling her a “thoughtful friend” who had offered valuable feedback during the writing process. This acknowledgment hinted at the close bond the two have formed.
Hurd, a former tech executive turned philanthropist and event organizer, has had her own share of public attention. She was married to Mark Hurd, who passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer. Mark Hurd, who was known for his leadership at companies such as NCR, Hewlett-Packard, and Oracle, had a net worth of approximately $500 million at the time of his death. Hurd’s professional background and her continued involvement in philanthropic work align well with Gates’ own charitable focus, further cementing their connection.
The couple’s relationship has blossomed in the years following Gates’ divorce. Although their connection was kept under wraps for some time, the two have been seen attending several public events together. In addition to their outings at major sporting events like the Olympics, they were also photographed at the so-called “billionaire’s summer camp” in Sun Valley, Idaho, where they mingled with other notable figures, including Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sanchez.
The growing public interest in Gates’ new relationship has been paired with his continued efforts to contribute to global causes through his foundation. However, his personal life, particularly his romance with Hurd, has sparked curiosity among fans and the media alike. Their connection has also caught the attention of those who admire both of their roles in the tech world, seeing parallels between their previous marriages and shared involvement in Silicon Valley.
Gates’ newfound happiness with Hurd is a bright chapter after a difficult divorce, and their relationship has the potential to remain in the public eye as they continue to navigate life as a couple. With Gates’ recent candidness about his personal regrets and new beginnings, many are left wondering how this romance will evolve, and whether it will serve as a new, fulfilling chapter in the life of one of the world’s most influential tech leaders.
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