MacKenzie Scott: The Ex-Wife of Jeff Bezos
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MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has been making waves with her philanthropic efforts and personal journey. Let’s dive into the life and story of this remarkable woman who played a significant role in Bezos’ entrepreneurial journey and subsequently emerged as one of the world’s wealthiest women.
Scott’s background and early life paint a picture of resilience and determination. Raised in a well-to-do neighbourhood in San Francisco, she faced challenges when her father’s financial firm declared bankruptcy when she was just 17. Despite this setback, she worked hard to graduate from Hotchkiss boarding school in Connecticut a year early. She later put herself through Princeton University, studying creative writing under the legendary Toni Morrison.
A talented novelist, Scott has two published books to her name. Her debut novel, ‘The Testing of Luther Albright’, was a labour of love that took her a decade to complete and was published in 2005. Her literary prowess was acknowledged by none other than Toni Morrison, who described Scott as an “extraordinary writer”. This passion for writing was evident from a young age, as Scott knew she wanted to be a writer from the tender age of 6.
The union between MacKenzie Scott and Jeff Bezos was a pivotal point in both their lives. Bezos, at the time a budding entrepreneur with a vision for a digital bookselling company, found unwavering support and encouragement from Scott. They moved to Seattle together to pursue his dream, culminating in the birth of Amazon in their Washington garage in 1994. Scott’s belief in Bezos’ vision and her role in the early days of Amazon underscore her contribution to the tech giant’s success.
The couple’s marriage lasted 25 years and produced four children, whose privacy they have fiercely guarded. Following their divorce in 2019, Scott made headlines with her staggering philanthropic endeavours. Pledging to donate at least half of her wealth in her lifetime, she has adopted a ‘no strings attached’ approach to her giving, entrusting nonprofits with the autonomy to decide how her donations are utilised. As of now, Scott has gifted over $19 billion to more than 2,000 organisations, embodying a deeply personal and conscious approach to philanthropy.
After her divorce from Bezos, Scott briefly married Dan Jewett, a chemistry teacher at her children’s school. Their shared commitment to philanthropy was evident when Jewett joined Scott in the Giving Pledge, showcasing a united front in their dedication to giving back to society. Despite their divorce in 2022, the couple’s shared values and generosity left a lasting impact on those around them.
In conclusion, MacKenzie Scott’s journey from a young girl with a dream to a powerhouse philanthropist is a testament to her resilience, talent, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the transformative power of generosity and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.