Jeff Bezos, the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, is one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential businessmen. His personal life and marriage to novelist MacKenzie Scott have been the subject of great public interest over the years. Here is an in-depth look at Jeff Bezos’ relationship with his ex-wife.
Article Highlights
Early Life and Career
Jeff Bezos was born in 1964 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After graduating from Princeton University in 1986 with a degree in computer science and electrical engineering, he worked on Wall Street. In 1994, Bezos founded Amazon.com out of his Seattle garage as an online bookseller.
Under Bezos’ leadership, Amazon grew to become the world’s largest online retailer and a top technology company worth over $1 trillion. Though he stepped down as Amazon’s CEO in 2021, Bezos remains executive chair and owns The Washington Post newspaper. With an estimated net worth surpassing $100 billion, Bezos has been ranked the richest person in the world by Forbes.
Marriage to MacKenzie Scott
In the early 1990s, Bezos met novelist MacKenzie Tuttle while working at the investment firm D.E. Shaw. They married in 1993 before Jeff started Amazon.
MacKenzie was Jeff’s first wife and the mother of his four children. She supported him in leaving his Wall Street career to found Amazon and was one of the company’s first employees. Though she eventually became a successful novelist in her own right, MacKenzie largely avoided the spotlight during her marriage to Bezos.
The couple announced their divorce in January 2019 after 25 years of marriage. Their separation was amicable, avoiding a contentious public divorce proceeding. MacKenzie received a 4% stake in Amazon worth over $35 billion at the time, instantly making her one of the world’s richest women.
MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropy and Remarriage
Following her divorce from Bezos, MacKenzie Scott began giving away her fortune through one of the world’s largest philanthropic initiatives. She has donated billions to various charities and nonprofits supporting vulnerable communities. Citing wealth inequality as a driving concern, Scott has pledged to give away the majority of her wealth over her lifetime.
In March 2021, Scott announced her remarriage to Seattle science teacher Dan Jewett. Jewett joined her commitment to philanthropy by signing The Giving Pledge. Scott has continued donating her fortune while keeping it out of the public eye. She maintains a modest lifestyle focused on raising her four children.
Bezos’ Personal Life Post-Divorce
After separating from his wife of 25 years, Jeff Bezos’ personal life became tabloid fodder, scrutinized heavily in the media. His wealth and influence as Amazon’s founder placed his relationships under the spotlight.
In January 2019, the National Enquirer published private text conversations between Bezos and news anchor Lauren Sanchez. The leak sparked controversy, as Bezos implied the exposure was politically motivated by ties between the tabloid’s publisher and Donald Trump.
Bezos and Lauren Sanchez began a public relationship later in 2019. Sanchez is a TV personality and helicopter pilot who has three children from her previous marriage. In 2021, it was revealed the couple had purchased a $165 million estate in Hawaii.
Bezos’ wealth has also enabled a lavish lifestyle with luxury real estate, jets, and recreational activities. In 2021, he fulfilled his childhood dream of going to space via his aerospace company Blue Origin. Bezos’ ventures and relationships fascinate the public due to his staggering fortune as one of history’s richest individuals.
Key Facts About Bezos’ Marriage and Divorce
Here are some key facts about Jeff Bezos’ relationship with ex-wife MacKenzie Scott:
- They met at D.E. Shaw in the early 1990s before founding Amazon
- Married in 1993, separated in 2019 after 25 years together
- MacKenzie was an early Amazon employee and supported its founding
- They have four children together, whom MacKenzie retained primary custody of
- Their divorce settlement gave MacKenzie 4% of Amazon, worth over $35 billion
- She has since donated billions through philanthropic initiatives
- Jeff Bezos’ girlfriend after the divorce has been Lauren Sanchez
- Bezos’ wealth and influence brought huge public interest to the divorce
- Their separation was amicable without contentious legal proceedings
Despite their high-profile divorce after 25 years together, Jeff Bezos and author MacKenzie Scott have remained on good terms. They jointly parent their children as Scott gives away her fortune and stays out of the spotlight. Their marriage helped enable the founding of Amazon and its historic success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about Jeff Bezos’ relationship with his ex-wife:
How did Jeff Bezos meet his wife MacKenzie?
Jeff Bezos met MacKenzie Tuttle in 1992 when they both worked at the investment firm D.E. Shaw in New York City. They married in 1993 and moved to Seattle in 1994 to found Amazon.
How long were Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie married?
Bezos and MacKenzie Scott were married for 25 years before announcing their divorce in January 2019. Their marriage lasted from 1993 until their separation.
Do Jeff Bezos and his ex-wife MacKenzie have children together?
Yes, Bezos and Scott have four children together, three sons and an adopted daughter. The kids have grown up to be teenagers and young adults throughout their parents’ high-profile divorce.
Why did Jeff Bezos and his wife divorce?
While no exact reason was provided, Bezos and Scott said they had grown apart after 25 years of marriage. Tabloid revelations about Bezos’ relationship with Lauren Sanchez also contributed to stress before their divorce.
How much did MacKenzie Scott get in the divorce?
Scott received 4% of Amazon’s shares, worth about $35 billion at the time. This made her one of the world’s richest women instantly.
Who did Jeff Bezos date after his divorce?
Bezos began a public relationship with TV host Lauren Sanchez in 2019. Their romantic affair while Bezos was still married was exposed by tabloid leaks.
What happened to MacKenzie Scott after the divorce?
Scott kept a modest profile while giving away billions through charitable initiatives. She remarried science teacher Dan Jewett in 2021 and continues major philanthropic work.