History of Melinda French Gates in Timeline

Melinda French Gates is an American philanthropist. She obtained a degree in computer science and economics, as well as an MBA, from Duke University. She joined Microsoft in 1987 as a multimedia product developer where she met and eventually married Bill Gates. Together, they have 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

1987: MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business

In 1987, Melinda French Gates received her MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business after earning a bachelor's degree in computer science and economics from Duke University in 1986.

1987: Met Bill Gates

In 1987, Melinda French met Bill Gates, then CEO of Microsoft, at a trade fair in New York, and they started dating.

1994: Marriage to Bill Gates

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

1996: Joined Duke University's Board of Trustees

In 1996, Melinda French Gates became a member of Duke University's board of trustees, a position she held until 2003.

1996: Left Microsoft

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

2003: End of Tenure on Duke University Board

In 2003, Melinda French Gates concluded her service as a member of Duke University's board of trustees, a position she had held since 1996.

2004: Joined Graham Holdings Board

In 2004, Melinda French Gates took a seat on the board of directors of Graham Holdings (formerly The Washington Post Company).

December 2005: Named Time's Persons of the Year

In December 2005, Melinda and Bill Gates were named Persons of the Year by Time magazine, alongside Bono, in recognition of their philanthropic efforts.

May 4, 2006: Received Prince of Asturias Award

On May 4, 2006, Melinda and Bill Gates were awarded the Spanish Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation in recognition of their global impact through charitable giving.

May 2006: Seattle Children's Hospital Dedication

In May 2006, the Melinda French Gates Ambulatory Care building at Seattle Children's Hospital was dedicated in honor of her work to improve the lives of children.

August 2006: Left Drugstore.com Board

In August 2006, Melinda French Gates left the board of directors at Drugstore.com to focus on her philanthropic projects.

November 2006: Awarded the Insignia of the Order of the Aztec Eagle

In November 2006, Melinda French Gates, along with Bill Gates, was awarded the Insignia of the Order of the Aztec Eagle for their philanthropic work, particularly in Mexico's health and education programs.

2007: Honorary Doctorate in Medicine

In 2007, Melinda French Gates received an honorary doctorate in medicine from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

2009: Honorary Degrees from University of Cambridge

In 2009, Melinda French Gates and her then-husband Bill Gates received honorary degrees from the University of Cambridge.

2011: Forbes Ranking

In 2011, Melinda French Gates was ranked #6 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

2012: Forbes Ranking

In 2012, Melinda French Gates was ranked #4 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

2013: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Duke University

In 2013, Melinda French Gates was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by Duke University, recognizing her philanthropic commitment.

2013: Recognized by Forbes

In 2013, Melinda French Gates was ranked #3 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

2014: Forbes Ranking

In 2014, Melinda French Gates was ranked #3 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

2015: Forbes Ranking

In 2015, Melinda French Gates was ranked #3 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

2016: Forbes Ranking

In 2016, Melinda French Gates was ranked #4 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

2017: Forbes Ranking

In 2017, Melinda French Gates was ranked #3 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

2017: Awarded France's Legion of Honour

In 2017, President François Hollande awarded France's highest national honor, as Commander of the Legion of Honour, to Melinda French Gates for her charitable efforts.

2018: Forbes Ranking

In 2018, Melinda French Gates was ranked #6 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

October 2019: Meeting with Divorce Lawyers

In October 2019, Melinda French Gates had been meeting with divorce lawyers, after Bill's business dealings with Jeffrey Epstein became public, according to The Wall Street Journal.

2019: Forbes Ranking

In 2019, Melinda French Gates was ranked #6 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

2020: Forbes Ranking

In 2020, Melinda French Gates was ranked #5 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

August 2, 2021: Divorce Finalized

On August 2, 2021, the divorce between Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates was finalized. Since the couple separated, Melinda has used the name Melinda French Gates.

October 2021: Attended Daughter's Wedding

In October 2021, Melinda 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.

2021: Forbes Ranking

In 2021, Melinda French Gates was ranked #5 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

2021: Recognized as One of BBC's 100 Women

In 2021, Melinda French Gates was recognized as one of the BBC's 100 Women.

March 2022: Described Relationship with Bill Gates as Friendly

In March 2022, Melinda French Gates described her relationship with Bill Gates as "friendly" but not "friends."

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.

2022: Forbes Ranking

In 2022, Melinda French Gates was ranked #6 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

March 2023: Became a Grandmother

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

2023: Forbes Ranking

In 2023, Melinda French Gates was ranked #10 in Forbes' list of the 100 Most Powerful Women.

April 2024: Engagement Rumors Denied

In April 2024, a spokesperson quashed rumors that Melinda French Gates and Jon Du Pre had become engaged, confirming that the two were no longer dating.

May 13, 2024: Resignation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

On May 13, 2024, Melinda French Gates announced her resignation as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, effective June 7. The foundation was subsequently renamed the Gates Foundation.

June 2024: Commencement address at Stanford University

In June 2024, Melinda French Gates delivered the Commencement address at Stanford University.

2024: Donations to Democratic causes

In 2024, Melinda French Gates donated over $10 million to Democratic causes, with a focus on abortion rights.

2024: Resigned as co-chair of the Gates Foundation

In 2024, Melinda French Gates resigned as co-chair of the Gates Foundation and received $12.5 billion for independent charitable work focused on women and families. She endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election.

2024: Announced Action for Women's Health

In 2024, Melinda French Gates, in partnership with Lever for Change, announced Action for Women’s Health, a grant competition providing $250 million to fund women's health initiatives.