Bill, Melinda Gates reunite for daughter's 21st birthday post-split

May 2024 · 3 minute read

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Another reunion post-split.

Exes Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates reunited at Italian eatery Carbone to celebrate their daughter Phoebe’s 21st birthday in New York City on Thursday.

The Microsoft co-founder, 67, wore a simple brown sweater and casual light wash jeans for the outing. Melinda, 59, donned a white frock and ballet pink pumps, while Phoebe chose a pink minidress for her big night.

Phoebe is the youngest daughter of the Gates’ three kids, as they are also parents to son Rory, 24, and daughter, Jennifer, 27.

The tech mogul and the philanthropist both sent sweet messages to Phoebe for her special day via social media.

Alongside a series of throwback snaps, Bill penned on Instagram: “Happy birthday, @phoebegates! You’ll always be my little girl, but watching you do big things has never surprised me. I’m so proud of you.”

Fernando Ramales/BACKGRID(2), SplashNews.com
Melinda matched her pink shoes and her pink purse for a night out on the town. Fernando Ramales / BACKGRID

Melinda shared a video on the platform where she gave her daughter advice for growing up. She advised Phoebe to never “ever forget who you are” and suggested that she “always keep” her friends close.

“That way you’re never going to go wrong in life,” Melinda continued. “Happy 21st birthday. I’m so proud of you and I love you so so much.”

The billionaire donned a casual look for dinner on Thursday. Fernando Ramales / BACKGRID

The birthday tributes from Phoebe’s family continued, with Jennifer praising her sister.

“[Phoebe Gates turns 21 today!!! I couldn’t be more proud of you as a young woman, entrepreneur, best sister, friend and auntie. Love you more than I can express, P, and will forever have your back. Now let’s celebrate🥂🍾😘,” Jennifer heartwarmingly scribed.

Melinda and Bill separated in 2021 after 27 years of marriage.

Phoebe turned 21 on Sept. 14. BlayzenPhotos / BACKGRID

The pair announced the news in a joint statement on their separate accounts at the time. 

“After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage,” they wrote. 

The memo continued, “We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives. We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.”

Despite the breakup, the pair appear to be amicable — and are loving being grandparents. In April, they both shared separate photos doting on their new granddaughter. Jennifer and her husband, Egyptian pro-equestrian Nayel Nassar, announced the birth of their first child in March.

The mogul has also moved on with girlfriend Paula Hurd. In July, a rep for Gates denied rumors that he proposed after Hurd, 61, was seen with what looked like an engagement ring while out at a private NYC club.

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