Early Life and Education of Melinda French Gates: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 24, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Melinda French Gates, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Melinda French Gates is an American philanthropist known for her work in global health and gender equality. She earned degrees in computer science, economics, and an MBA from Duke University before joining Microsoft in 1987. There she met and later married Bill Gates in 1994, with whom she has three children.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 15, 1964: Melinda Ann French Born

On August 15, 1964, Melinda Ann French (later known as Melinda French Gates) was born in Dallas, Texas.

Others born on this day/year

1982: Graduated from Ursuline Academy

In 1982, Melinda French Gates graduated as valedictorian from Ursuline Academy of Dallas.

1986: Graduated from Duke University

In 1986, Melinda French Gates earned a bachelor's degree in computer science and economics from Duke University.

1987: MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business

In 1987, Melinda French Gates received an MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business.

1987: Began Dating Bill Gates

In 1987, Melinda French began dating Bill Gates after meeting him at a trade fair in New York.

1994: Married Bill Gates

In 1994, Melinda French married Bill Gates in a private ceremony held in Lanai, Hawaii.

1996: Left Microsoft

In 1996, Melinda French Gates left Microsoft, reportedly to focus on starting a family, after serving as General Manager of Information Products.

October 2019: Met with Divorce Lawyers

In October 2019, Melinda French Gates began meeting with divorce lawyers, according to The Wall Street Journal.

May 2021: Announced Divorce

In May 2021, Bill and Melinda Gates announced their decision to divorce after 27 years of marriage.

August 2, 2021: Divorce Finalized

On August 2, 2021, the divorce between Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates was finalized, and Melinda has since publicly used the name Melinda French Gates.

October 2021: Attended Daughter's Wedding

In October 2021, Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates both attended the wedding of their eldest daughter Jennifer to Nayel Nassar.

2021: Divorce Announcement

In 2021, Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates announced their decision to divorce after 27 years of marriage.

November 2022: Reported Dating Jon Du Pre

In November 2022, Melinda French Gates was reported to be dating former Fox News correspondent Jon Du Pre.

March 2023: Became a grandmother

In March 2023, Melinda French Gates became a grandmother for the first time when Jennifer gave birth to a daughter.

2024: Donations to Democratic Causes and Endorsements

In 2024, Melinda French Gates donated over $10 million to Democratic causes and endorsed Kamala Harris in the US presidential election, after Joe Biden stepped aside.