Even after their 2021 divorce, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates remain united in parenting their three children—Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22. While they’ve given their children opportunities few can imagine, both parents have been vocal about raising them with grounded values and financial responsibility.
Bill Gates, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals—currently ranked seventh on Forbes’ 2024 list—has long said that leaving his children the bulk of his fortune would be a “mistake.” Instead, he has pledged most of his wealth to philanthropic causes, primarily through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, first reported by The Journal News.
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Still, that hasn’t stopped the couple from giving sizable gifts to support their children’s passions. According to the New York Post, when Jennifer graduated from Stanford University in 2018, her parents gave her a $15.82 million horse farm in North Salem, Westchester. The property was reportedly intended to support her deep interest in equestrian sports.
Melinda, however, insists that their children were raised with a strong sense of modesty and financial awareness. In a 2024 interview with The New York Times, she said, “I think it was much more of an upbringing like I grew up in.” She added, “A very middle-class household where money did dictate whether I got an extra pair of shoes that year or not.”
She stressed that although their children received allowances, they were not given a blank check to spend freely. “We absolutely did not just buy them things,” Melinda said, emphasizing how the family valued saving and self-control, reports the Irish Star.
Jennifer, the eldest, has long been passionate about equestrian sports. To help her pursue her dream at a higher level, Bill reportedly purchased a $38 million estate in Wellington, Florida. The upscale property, located in a celebrity-favored equestrian community, came with a luxury home and top-tier horse facilities.
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The gift coincided with Jennifer’s graduation and gave her a base to compete professionally in the equestrian world. Now 28 and married to Olympic show jumper Nayel Nassar, Jennifer remains active in competitions and equestrian philanthropy.
Melinda’s reflections on wealth and parenting go back to her own university days. Speaking to the New York Times, she recalled her early resolve: “I vowed to myself that if I ever had resources at my disposal, those were not the kind of children I wanted to raise.” Despite the vast wealth surrounding them, the Gateses appear committed to ensuring their family values come first.
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