History of Lauren Sánchez in Timeline

Lauren Sánchez is an American journalist, licensed pilot, and entrepreneur, known as the founder of Black Ops Aviation. She gained further prominence through her engagement to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and Blue Origin, in 2023.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

December 19, 1969: Lauren Sánchez's Birth

On December 19, 1969, Lauren Wendy Sánchez was born.

1987: Graduation from High School

In 1987, Lauren Sánchez graduated from Del Norte High School.

1990: Models World Magazine Cover Girl Competition Win

In 1990, Lauren Sánchez won the international Models World Magazine Cover Girl Competition.

1999: Joins UPN News 13 and Good Day LA

In 1999, Lauren Sánchez returned to KCOP-TV to anchor UPN News 13, where her team won an Emmy Award. In 1999, Sánchez was also co-host on KTTV Fox 11's Good Day LA and anchor on the Fox 11 News at Ten.

February 2000: Runner-up in The View hosting competition

In February 2000, Lauren Sánchez was the runner-up in the nationwide hosting competition during season 2 of "The View".

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February 2001: Birth of First Son

In February 2001, Lauren Sánchez's first son was born, his father being former National Football League tight end Tony Gonzalez.

August 2005: Marriage to Patrick Whitesell

In August 2005, Lauren Sánchez married Patrick Whitesell.

2005: Original Host of "So You Think You Can Dance"

In 2005, Lauren Sánchez became the original host of FOX's popular dancing competition "So You Think You Can Dance".

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2006: Birth of Son

In 2006, Lauren Sánchez and Patrick Whitesell had a son.

2008: Birth of Daughter

In 2008, Lauren Sánchez and Patrick Whitesell had a daughter.

2009: Returns to Extra

In 2009, Lauren Sánchez returned to Extra as weekend anchor and special correspondent.

2010: Featured in "50 Most Beautiful" and "Hot Bodies" Issues

In 2010, Lauren Sánchez was featured in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful" issue and Us Weekly's "Hot Bodies" issue.

2016: Founds Black Ops Aviation

In 2016, Lauren Sánchez founded Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial film and production company, after earning her pilot's license at age 40.

2018: Affair with Jeff Bezos

In 2018, Lauren Sánchez had an affair with Jeff Bezos, while both were married to other people.

January 2019: Bezos Announces Divorce

In January 2019, Jeff Bezos and his wife, MacKenzie Scott, announced their decision to seek a divorce.

February 2019: Bezos Alleges Blackmail by National Enquirer

In February 2019, Jeff Bezos publicly alleged that National Enquirer publisher American Media, Inc. attempted blackmail and extortion related to his relationship with Lauren Sánchez.

April 2019: Bezos's Divorce Finalized

In April 2019, the court finalized Jeff Bezos's divorce from MacKenzie Scott.

October 2019: Sánchez's Divorce Finalized

In October 2019, Lauren Sánchez's divorce from Patrick Whitesell was finalized.

2020: Media References Sánchez as Bezos's Girlfriend

In 2020, the media referred to Lauren Sánchez as Jeff Bezos's girlfriend.

May 22, 2023: Engagement to Jeff Bezos Reported

On May 22, 2023, CNN reported the engagement of Lauren Sánchez to Jeff Bezos.

2023: Honored by This is About Humanity

In 2023, Lauren Sánchez was honored by This is About Humanity, an organization dedicated to providing support for separated and reunified families at the border.

March 2024: Pledges Donation for Biomanufacturing and Climate Change Centers

In March 2024, Lauren Sánchez pledged to donate $60 million to create centers that would focus on biomanufacturing and climate change.

September 29, 2024: "The Fly Who Flew to Space" Debuts on New York Times Bestseller List

On September 29, 2024, Lauren Sánchez's first children's book, "The Fly Who Flew to Space", debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list.

October 2024: Pledges Donation to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

In October 2024, Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos pledged $60 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to enable the restoration and improved management of 1,600,000 acres of land.

2024: Receives Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award

In 2024, Lauren Sánchez received the Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award at the Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards for her expertise as a helicopter pilot and aviation businesswoman.

2024: Release of "The Fly Who Flew to Space"

In 2024, Sánchez released her debut children's book, "The Fly Who Flew to Space", which became a New York Times bestseller.

February 2025: Announced as Passenger for All-Female Space Flight

In February 2025, Lauren Sánchez was announced as a passenger for the first all-female flight aboard the New Shepard rocket, dubbed NS-31.

February 27, 2025: Sánchez Announced as Passenger for Blue Origin Flight

On February 27, 2025, Lauren Sánchez was announced as one of the passengers for Blue Origin's eleventh flight to space under the New Shepard program.

April 14, 2025: Sánchez Flies to Space

On April 14, 2025, Lauren Sánchez flew to space on Blue Origin's NS-31 sub-orbital mission, making her and Gayle King the first female journalists to achieve this feat.