Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has embarked on a new chapter of romance with Paula Hurd, a 60-year-old philanthropist and widow of Oracle’s late co-CEO Mark Hurd, nearly two years after his high-profile divorce from Melinda Gates. The relationship, first reported in January 2023, has seen the couple spotted together at events like the Australian Open, showcasing their shared passion for tennis. As of August 2025, their bond remains strong, marking a significant personal milestone for the 67-year-old billionaire.
A New Romance Blossoms
Bill Gates, one of the world’s most influential philanthropists, began dating Paula Hurd in 2022, following his May 2021 divorce from Melinda Gates. “They’ve been together over a year and she’s a lovely woman,” a source told People magazine in January 2023, confirming their relationship. Hurd, a former tech executive turned event organizer, shares Gates’ enthusiasm for tennis, with the couple attending the Australian Open in Melbourne and Sydney in December 2022, as reported by Vanguard. Their appearances at high-profile events, including the Laver Cup in 2022, highlighted their growing connection, per Reuters.
Hurd, who lost her husband Mark in 2019, brings her own legacy of philanthropy, having organized events for Oracle and supported charitable causes. “They’re inseparable now,” an insider noted in a 2023 Daily Mail report, emphasizing their shared interests and mutual support. By 2025, sources like Yahoo Finance confirmed the couple’s engagement, with Hurd spotted wearing a diamond ring, signaling a deepening commitment.
Reflecting on a Long Marriage
Gates’ romance with Hurd follows the end of his 34-year relationship with Melinda Gates, which included 27 years of marriage and three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. The couple announced their divorce in May 2021, citing an irreparable rift but pledging to continue their work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “I’m grieving the same way she is,” Gates said in a 2022 interview, acknowledging the emotional toll while affirming their “close relationship” in philanthropy, per Forbes. Their foundation, managing over $50 billion in assets, remains a global force in health and education initiatives.
The divorce, finalized in August 2021, drew attention due to Gates’ admitted “huge mistake” in meeting Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by CNN, though both parties emphasized mutual respect. Gates’ ability to maintain a professional partnership with Melinda while moving forward with Hurd reflects his commitment to personal and public growth.
A Broader Context
In Nigeria, where economic challenges like 52.2% inflation and a naira at ₦450 to the US dollar persisted in 2023, Gates’ story resonates as a narrative of resilience, echoing the nation’s own struggles with economic recovery and global influence. His philanthropy, including $20.1 billion donated to the Gates Foundation in 2022, continues to inspire, per Reuters, while his personal life draws interest akin to Nollywood’s cultural discussions, as seen in Angela Okorie’s critiques of industry transparency.
Looking Ahead
As Bill Gates and Paula Hurd’s relationship evolves, their shared passion for philanthropy and tennis positions them as a notable couple in global circles. “I’m very happy we get to work together,” Gates said of his ongoing collaboration with Melinda, a sentiment that extends to his hopeful future with Hurd. Their engagement by 2025, reported by The Sun, underscores a new chapter for Gates, blending love with his enduring commitment to global good.
