Melinda Gates' Secret Romance Sparks Internet Frenzy
Four years after her high-profile split from Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates has confirmed what many suspected — she's dating again. And not just dating, but beaming with happiness.
Who Is Melinda French Gates' New Partner?
Though she's keeping her partner's name private for now, a public sighting with tech entrepreneur Philip Vaughn last fall may have already revealed the lucky guy. At 60, the billionaire philanthropist is stepping into a new chapter, and while she isn't shouting the details from the rooftops, she's clearly not hiding either. With photos of her hand-in-hand with Vaughn circulating online, speculation is swirling — and so is public curiosity. Who is this new man? What does this mean for her post-divorce life? And yes — what about Bill?
Vaughn, a tech entrepreneur and founder of craft beer delivery company Tavour, worked at Microsoft® between 1999 and 2008, according to his LinkedIn profile, according to PEOPLE. Melinda, meanwhile, left Microsoft in 1996 to focus on raising her family. While their paths may not have crossed in the office, both clearly share roots in the tech world.
Before Vaughn, Melinda was romantically linked to former Fox News correspondent Jon Du Pre in late 2022. That relationship reportedly ended by April 2024, when a spokesperson confirmed she was no longer dating Du Pre.
So, What About Bill?
Melinda and Bill Gates finalized their divorce in August 2021 after 27 years of marriage, but they've remained in the public eye — and in business together — through their continued co-leadership of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
While Melinda appears to be exploring new love, Bill has also moved forward. He has been in a relationship with Paula Hurd, the widow of Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, for more than two years. The two have made several public appearances together, and their partnership seems to have quietly settled into place outside the spotlight.
Despite the public interest, neither Melinda nor Bill have shared negative remarks about one another since the divorce. They've remained civil and professional in their joint philanthropic efforts — keeping the focus on the work, not the drama.
Embracing Life — and Love — at 60
These days, Melinda seems to be fully embracing life on her own terms. In her recent PEOPLE profile, she expressed joy in spending evenings with someone she cares about — or simply enjoying time alone. With her three children now grown — Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe — she's leaning into the freedom that comes with an empty nest and a life redesigned around her own happiness.
While she hasn't ruled out marriage, she noted that she's not in any rush. At this stage in her life, she's happy to let things unfold naturally — no pressure, no timeline, and no need to explain herself to anyone.
Keeping the Gates Name in the Headlines
The Gates divorce may be old news, but Melinda French Gates continues to capture attention — not because of scandal or controversy, but because she's writing the next chapter of her story in plain sight. With a best-selling book on the way and a budding romance that's already sparked headlines, she remains one of the most compelling public figures today.
Whether or not Philip Vaughn is "the one" remains to be seen — and Melinda seems perfectly fine keeping that part of her life private. But if her recent public appearances are any indication, she’s more than content. And maybe that's all we really need to know.
References: Melinda French Gates Reveals She Is Dating Again and 'Very Happy' in a New Relationship (Exclusive) | Melinda French Gates Reveals She's Dating Again After Bill Gates Divorce
