Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, recently celebrated his marriage to Lauren Sánchez in a lavish three-day ceremony in Venice, Italy, attended by numerous celebrities and billionaires. While the spotlight shines on Bezos’s new chapter, many are reflecting on his first marriage to MacKenzie Scott, a woman who played a crucial role in Amazon’s early days and has since become a leading philanthropist.
Early Life and Marriage
MacKenzie Scott met Jeff Bezos in 1992 while both were working at the hedge fund firm D. E. Shaw & Co. in New York City. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they married in 1993, just a year after meeting. Shortly after their wedding, they relocated to Seattle, where Bezos launched Amazon in 1994 with Scott’s support. Together, they had four children: three sons and one daughter, whose details remain private to protect their privacy.
Role in Amazon’s Growth
Though Bezos is often credited as the visionary behind Amazon, Scott was a significant partner in the company’s founding and early growth. She helped with contracts and logistics and supported Bezos through the startup phase, often working behind the scenes while pursuing her own writing career. Scott is also an accomplished author, having written two novels, The Testing of Luther Albright (2005) and Traps (2013).
Divorce and Financial Settlement
After 25 years of marriage, Bezos and Scott announced their separation in 2019 through a joint statement expressing gratitude for their time together and a commitment to co-parenting amicably. Their divorce settlement was notably one of the largest in history, with Scott receiving 25% of their combined Amazon shares, valued at approximately $36 billion at the time. This settlement made her one of the wealthiest women globally.
Philanthropy and Life After Divorce
Since the divorce, MacKenzie Scott has emerged as a powerhouse philanthropist. She signed the Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of her wealth, and has since donated over $19 billion to more than 2,000 nonprofits. Her philanthropic approach is distinctive for being fast, unrestricted, and focused on causes such as education and racial equity. Scott emphasizes giving recipients full control over how funds are used, reshaping modern philanthropy.
In 2021, Scott briefly married Dan Jewett, a science teacher at her children’s school, but they divorced a year later.
Legacy and Current Status
At 55 years old, MacKenzie Scott continues to maintain a relatively low profile despite her immense wealth and influence. Her journey from Jeff Bezos’s supportive spouse to an independent billionaire philanthropist is inspiring. As Bezos embarks on his new life with Lauren Sánchez, Scott remains a significant figure in her own right, dedicated to making a positive impact on society.
In brief, MacKenzie Scott is not only Jeff Bezos’s first wife but also a key contributor to Amazon’s early success and a transformative philanthropist whose generosity has touched thousands of lives worldwide. Their marriage lasted 25 years, and though they parted ways, both continue to lead impactful lives in their respective spheres.