MacKenzie Scott, formerly married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has garnered attention for her remarkable philanthropic efforts since their divorce in 2019 after 25 years of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 1993 after a short courtship, share four children, whom they have raised largely out of the public eye.
Following their divorce, Scott has made headlines for her extensive charitable donations, pledging to give away at least half of her wealth throughout her lifetime. To date, she has donated over $19 billion to more than 2,000 nonprofit organizations, often utilizing a “no strings attached” approach to her philanthropy, which allows recipients to decide how to best use the funds. In a 2019 open letter announcing her commitment to the Giving Pledge, Scott emphasized the thoughtful nature of her giving, declaring, “It will take time and effort and care. But I won’t wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty.”
Scott’s entrepreneurial spirit and support for Bezos were evident early in their marriage when she encouraged him to leave his job and pursue what would become Amazon. Known for her literary career, she published two novels, with her first book, The Testing of Luther Albright, released in 2005 after a ten-year writing endeavor.
Beyond her philanthropic ventures, Scott briefly remarried Dan Jewett, a chemistry teacher at her children’s school, but their union lasted just over a year before ending in 2022. Meanwhile, Bezos has become engaged to former news anchor Lauren Sánchez, with plans for a wedding set for June 2025.
Scott’s commitment to her philanthropic mission and her ability to champion causes that matter deeply is a beacon of hope, showcasing how significant wealth can be utilized to foster positive change in society. Her journey from supporting her husband as he built a tech empire to becoming a leading figure in philanthropy illustrates the potential for individuals to impact the world positively, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.