“Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives,” the 65-year-old Bill and 56-year-old Melinda said in their joint statement. “We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.” While many people expressed concern about the future of the exes’ Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, there’s another part of that statement that may have piqued your curiosity: They have three kids? The family has certainly managed to give the children a relatively low profile over the years, keeping them and their names largely out of the spotlight. But here’s what we do know about the rest of the Gateses.
Who are Bill Gates’ children?
After tying the knot in Hawaii in 1994, Bill and Melinda Gates welcomed their first child, daughter Jennifer Katharine Gates, in 1996. Son Rory John Gates was born in 1999, followed by younger daughter Phoebe Adele Gates in 2002. All three reportedly attended high school at dad Bill’s alma mater, Lakeside School, a private prep school in Seattle, Washington, where Bill grew up and where he and Melinda raised their kids.
Who is Jennifer Gates?
Hours after her parents confirmed their split, 25-year-old Jennifer addressed the news in an Instagram Story post. “It’s been a challenging stretch of time for our whole family,” she wrote. “I’m still learning how to best support my own process and emotions as well as family members at this time… Please know that your kind words and support mean the world to me.” Ironically, Jennifer announced earlier this year on social media that she got engaged to boyfriend NayelNassar—who, like her, earned an undergraduate degree at Stanford University and is an accomplished equestrian. According to reports, Jennifer (often known as Jenn) is currently enrolled in medical school with plans to become a doctor—a career choice inspired by her parents’ philanthropic work, which focuses on global health. Earlier this year, she revealed on Instagram, “My passion for medicine was sparked by my parents, @thisisbillgates and @melindafrenchgates, whose regular dinner time conversations about children’s health on a global scale impacted me at a young age.” Last year, she also shared a post celebrating the end of her first year of medical school.
Who is Rory Gates?
Little is known about only son Rory, but it’s believed that he’s either an undergraduate student or a recent graduate at the University of Chicago. In 2017, mom Melinda penned an essay about Rory in TIME Magazine titled “How I Raised a Feminist Son.” In the piece, she praised Rory for being “compassionate and curious,” “intelligent and well-read,” “a great son and a great brother,” and “deeply informed about the wide range of issues that interest him.”
Who is Phoebe Gates?
Even less is known about youngest daughter Phoebe, but CheatSheet.com claims she’s an “aspiring ballerina” who’s studied in New York City at such esteemed performing arts institutions as the Professional Children’s School, the School of American Ballet at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Juilliard. Speaking of dancing, she’s frequently posted videos that show her cutting a rug alongside dad Bill.
Are Bill and Melinda Gates close with their kids?
Yes! In fact, in November 2020, Melinda posted a throwback pic of her three kids while admitting that because of the pandemic, she received “the silver lining of extra time with them this year.” And in 2019, Bill credited his kids with not only keeping him grounded, but keeping him up to date on what’s “cool.” “I have kids that think I don’t see the world in a modern enough way, including even some technology things they use that they find amazing,” Gates explained. “I’ve got to check Instagram because my youngest daughter likes to communicate there [and] I have to check WhatsApp because another child likes to communicate through that.” He added that if he doesn’t use their social media apps of choice, his kids accuse him of “not paying attention” to their lives.
Will Bill and Melinda Gates’ kids get an inheritance?
Yes, but it may not be as big as you imagine. Each child will reportedly receive only $10 million from their parents, who are believed to be worth more than $120 billion. In 2017, Gates explained in a TV interview, “It’s not a favor to kids to have them have huge sums of wealth. It distorts anything they might do, creating their own path.” Next, catch up with all the Kardashian kids.
