Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has officially confirmed his relationship with Paula Hurd, calling her his “serious girlfriend” during a recent interview on the TODAY show.
“I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. So we’re having fun, going to the Olympics and lots of great things,” Gates, 69, said during the interview.
Gates began dating Hurd, 62, after his divorce from Melinda French Gates in August 2021. The couple made their red carpet debut at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in April 2024.
Who is Paula Hurd?
Paula Hurd holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1984. She began her career at National Cash Register, a major enterprise software and hardware company, specializing in sales and alliance management. Today, she is actively involved in planning high-profile corporate, personal, and charitable events.
Hurd was married to Mark Hurd, the former CEO of Oracle and Hewlett-Packard, for nearly 30 years until his passing in October 2019. The couple had two daughters, Kathryn and Kelly.
A history of philanthropy and public appearances
Paula Hurd is widely known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare. She and her late husband were major benefactors of Baylor University, where Mark Hurd studied. Their contributions helped establish the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center and the Hurd Tennis Center. More recently, she donated $7 million toward the Baylor Basketball Pavilion, which includes the Mark and Paula Hurd Floor.
Hurd and Gates’ relationship first became public in February 2023, though the two had been spotted together at events as early as September 2022. In mid-2023, speculation about their engagement arose when she was seen wearing a ring. However, a spokesperson for Gates confirmed that the ring was not new and had belonged to her for decades.
A presence in elite circles
The couple has attended several high-profile events, including Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s engagement party in August 2023. Their first official public appearance was at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in April 2024. In July 2024, Hurd accompanied Gates, his daughter Jennifer Gates, and his son-in-law Nayel Nassar to the Paris Olympics.
Gates has also mentioned Paula Hurd extensively in his memoir Source Code, reflecting on their relationship and shared experiences.