Melinda Gates Is Reportedly Single Again After Sparking Engagement Rumors

Melinda Gates has reportedly become single again just moments after she was seen wearing a stunning new diamond ring on her engagement finger. 

The update comes after the Dallas native was romantically linked to former Fox reporter Jon Du Pre.

A source familiar with Melinda's personal life has disclosed that the 59-year-old has no interest in exchanging wedding vows again following her divorce from Bill Gates in 2021.

"Melinda is not engaged and is no longer dating Jon Du Pre," a spokesperson for Melinda claimed.

Rumors of the philanthropist's engagement began after US media captured the massive bling on her engagement finger as she stepped off a helicopter in New York City alongside a male assistant. 

PageSix noted that the ring was more prominent due to her casual attire of capris, a white blouse, and a large Chanel tote bag. 

The outlet recalled that Melinda and Jon were initially connected in 2022 when they were seen together at a Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics game in April of that year.

The now-separated couple, along with select family members were said to have lodged at Pelican Hill, a luxurious five-star hotel in Newport Beach, California. 

Even though he has moved on romantically, Bill previously made it clear that he would marry Melinda again if given the chance. The Blast noted that the billionaire made his stance known during an interview, where he stated:

"Every marriage as the kids leave the house will go through a transition. Mine sadly went through this transition called divorce. But from my point of view it was a great marriage. I wouldn't have changed it. You know, I wouldn't choose to marry someone else."

Regarding walking down the aisle with someone else, Bill claimed, "I [would] marry Melinda all over again. In terms of my future, I don't have any plans, but I highly recommend marriage." 

Recall that they issued a joint statement when the duo was ready to walk away from their marriage. It read:

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

Bill later addressed the collapse of the 27-year union in an end of year piece in 2021, writing:

"I know a lot of people are curious about a subject closer to home: my divorce. I can't deny that it's been a year of great personal sadness for me. Adapting to change is never easy, no matter what it is. I've been impressed by how resilient my loved ones—especially my kids—have been in this challenging time."

Two years following their separation, The Blast reported that Bill and Melinda reunited to celebrate their daughter Jennifer Gates Nasaar's graduation from Columbia University. 

The proud parents were seen smiling warmly in an image captured during the ceremony and shared by the celebrant on Instagram.

Donning a light blue graduation gown and cap, Jennifer beamed while posing between her parents, who put their hands around her.

In the caption, the mother of one expressed gratitude to Columbia University, for the opportunity to earn a Master's degree in public health from them. 

Her mother responded to the post by gushing about her milestone in the comment section. Melinda declared, "You have a heart and a mind that will change the world. I can't wait to see what you do!"

Notably, Jennifer's graduation was not the only time that Bill and Melinda would come together to celebrate the Washington-born beauty. In April 2023, the former couple commemorated her 27th birthday with heartfelt tributes on their respective social media pages.

Bill got the ball rolling with a father-and-daughter photo featuring the duo in matching casual outfits, alongside a caption emphasizing his feelings of being "fortunate" and "proud" to be Jennifer's dad.

As for Melinda, she opted to post a throwback picture of herself and the birthday girl as a toddler. After extending birthday wishes to her daughter, the former multimedia product developer and manager at Microsoft continued:

"Watching you grow into the amazing woman you are today—and become a mother to your daughter—has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I can't wait to see what this next year holds for you. I love you!" 

Alongside its 15k+ likes, the Instagram post has received an influx of celebratory messages from Melinda's followers.