Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has publicly acknowledged his relationship with Paula Hurd, describing her as his “serious" girlfriend and expressing his happiness. During an appearance on NBC’s “TODAY” show on February 4, Gates shared his feelings, saying, “I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. So we’re having fun, going to the Olympics and lots of great things.”
Nothing out of the blue, however. Gates and Hurd had reportedly been seeing each other on many occasions for more than a couple of years before their relationship entered the public arena in early 2023, although speculations about them as a couple did the rounds even in 2022. It was April this year that saw the lovebirds walk the red carpet at the 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Paula Hurd’s role in Gates’ memoir
Outside her personal life, Hurd has been a part of Gates' professional life too. She was one of the readers who went through his latest book, "Source Code," published on 4th February. In the acknowledgement section, Gates mentioned, "Early readers of the manuscript included Paula Hurd, Marc St. John, and Sheila Gulati. The close reading from dear and trusted friends provided much-needed thoughtful and insightful feedback at critical stages in the writing."
Hurd, whose husband was the former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, lost her husband in 2019. Her relationship with Gates went public about four years after his death and two years after Gates' very public divorce from Melinda French Gates in 2021.
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Gates looks back on his divorce
The billionaire philanthropist, during the interview was asked about his past comments where he called his divorce from Melinda French Gates, his "one big regret." Reflecting on his personal and professional journey, he said, "My business career, although there's been some ups and downs, has been phenomenal. My kids are phenomenal.”
He continued, "Even complaining is difficult for me to do. I have gotten past the divorce. Melinda's doing great. I have plenty of work I love to do. So, I don't really have any complaints about anything."
Gates and Melinda were married for 27 years before announcing separation in 2021. Although the split made headlines, each has since appeared to be working through personal issues and professional pursuits.
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