The divorce of Melinda and Bill Gates, co-founders of one of the largest private charitable foundations in the world, has been finalized, according to a court document reached by the Reuters agency. The couple filed for divorce in May after 27 years of marriage, but pledged to continue their joint philanthropic work. The Gates family then assured that they had reached an agreement on the division of property.
After filing their divorce papers on May 3, Melinda and Bill, announcing their joint decision, said in a statement that during their 27 years of marriage they had raised “three wonderful children” and created a foundation “that works worldwide to enable all people to lead a healthy and productive life. life “.
They then assured them that they intended to continue to cooperate within the foundation. At the same time, “they no longer believe that they can continue to grow together as a couple in the next stages of life.” They also reported that they had reached an agreement on the division of joint property.
Melina and Bill Gates before divorcePAP / EPA / KAMIL ZIHNIOGLU
Numerous initiatives of the Gates family
According to the latest Forbes list, 66-year-old Gates is the fourth richest man in the world – his fortune exceeds 124 billion dollars. In the past, the American topped this list many times. The entrepreneur made his fortune as a co-founder and creator of Microsoft’s software.
In addition to its business activities, Gates is involved in a number of philanthropic endeavors. In 2000, together with his wife, he established a foundation, the goals of which include, among others counteracting poverty and combating diseases that plague poorer countries. Since then, it has spent more than $ 50 billion on the fight against poverty and disease in the world.
The Gates also endorsed programs to combat malaria and polio, child nutrition and vaccines. In 2020, their foundation allocated approximately $ 1.75 billion to help fight COVID-19.
Main photo source: Consolidated News Photos / DPA / PAP / EPA