Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has publicly acknowledged his relationship with Paula Hurd, the widow of late Oracle co-CEO Mark Hurd. 

In an exclusive interview on the “Today” show, Gates, 69, spoke candidly about his romance with Hurd, describing it as both “serious” and full of enjoyment.

The tech mogul told host Savannah Guthrie, “I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula,” adding, “We’re having fun.

Going to the [Paris] Olympics and lots of great things.”

This interview marks the first time Gates has openly discussed his relationship with Paula, which began to garner public attention in early 2023.

The couple had been photographed together at various events in 2022, but their romance remained relatively under the radar until the following year.

Gates’ comments have now confirmed what many had speculated, further illuminating the relationship that has been blossoming for over a year.

The pair’s connection goes beyond their shared love of tennis, a sport that has brought them together on several occasions. Gates and Paula had crossed paths even before Mark Hurd’s death in October 2019, with the two spotted sitting together in the same box at a tennis match back in 2015. Over time, they became closer, eventually developing a romantic relationship.

In early 2024, they made their public debut as a couple when they attended the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

Their appearance marked a significant milestone in their relationship, as they were seen together on the red carpet for the first time as a pair. The couple appeared inseparable, looking happy and at ease in front of the cameras.

As their relationship continues to grow, it is clear that Gates and Hurd share a deep bond. A source close to the couple revealed to *The Daily Mail* that they had been romantically involved for over a year, despite Paula previously being described as a “mystery woman.”

However, it’s no longer a mystery to those within their inner circle that they are very much in a committed relationship. According to the source, they “have been inseparable,” further confirming the strength of their connection.

Despite the challenges Gates has faced in his personal life, including his high-profile divorce from Melinda Gates in 2021, he appears to have found happiness again with Paula.

During his *Times of London* interview last month, Gates expressed regret over his divorce, calling it the “mistake” he “most regrets.”

However, in his conversation with Guthrie, Gates remained positive, reflecting on the positive aspects of his life, including his successful career and his children.

“My business career, although there’s been some ups and downs, has been incredibly phenomenal,” he said. “My kids are phenomenal. So it’s even hard for me to complain about things.”

When asked if he wished he could undo the divorce, Gates admitted, “I wouldn’t go that far.” His remarks suggest that, while he regrets the end of his marriage, he has moved past it and found peace with his current life.

He acknowledged that Melinda is “doing well,” and noted that he remains focused on the work he loves, hinting at his continued dedication to his philanthropic endeavors and business ventures.

With his relationship with Paula continuing to thrive, Gates seems content and optimistic about the future.

The couple’s plans include attending the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will undoubtedly provide more opportunities for the two to spend time together and enjoy their shared passions.

It’s clear that despite his past regrets, Gates is embracing this new chapter of his life with an open heart, sharing moments of joy and “fun” with his partner.

For now, Gates and Hurd are continuing to enjoy their time together while maintaining their privacy.

Their relationship, which began quietly and gradually blossomed in the public eye, shows that even the world’s most well-known figures can find happiness in unexpected places.