Melinda French Gates Shares Joyful Update on New Romance: ‘Very Happy’ in Exclusive Interview

Melinda French Gates is embarking on a fresh chapter in her life, complete with a blossoming relationship.

During an interview with PEOPLE for this week’s edition discussing her upcoming memoir The Next Day and insights gained from major life transitions, the renowned philanthropist confirms she’s currently seeing someone. This revelation comes four years after her separation from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

“Yes I am,” she responds with a radiant grin, emphasizing she feels “truly content.”

The activist chooses to keep her partner’s identity private. “I’ll simply leave it at that,” she states before reiterating, “I’m genuinely happy.”

This disclosure follows by five months paparazzi photos capturing Melinda walking hand-in-hand with tech innovator Philip Vaughn, 48, in Manhattan.

Vaughn’s LinkedIn profile identifies him as creator and chairperson of craft beer delivery service Tavour. Notably, his professional history includes a Microsoft tenure from 1999-2008. (Melinda previously worked at the tech giant but departed before welcoming her first child in 1996.)

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Since finalizing her divorce in August 2021, the mother of three has publicly discussed her readiness for new relationships and ideal partner qualities.

In a 2023 TIME magazine feature preceding her sightings with Vaughn, Melinda described seeking “an intellectually curious, dynamic individual who engages in mutual growth through thoughtful exchange.”

Post-divorce, she was briefly romantically linked to former Fox News journalist Jon Du Pre, though representatives confirmed their separation in April 2024.

Meanwhile, ex-husband Bill has been in a relationship with Paula Hurd, 63, widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd.

The philanthropist shares with PEOPLE she enjoys quiet evenings at home accompanied by close companions or “someone special,” while also valuing solitude.

Regarding future commitments, Melinda acknowledges potential remarriage “given compatible circumstances and timing.”

“At this stage of life, there’s beautiful freedom in unhurried decisions,” she reflects. “The societal expectations have lifted.”

The Next Day becomes available April 15, currently open for preorders.