Yahoo Finance MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist and Jeff Bezos' ex, marries teacher
Philanthropist and rich-lister MacKenzie Scott has married Seattle science teacher Dan Jewett after splitting with Jeff Bezos in 2019.
Jewett confirmed the marriage in a statement, describing the US$53 billion (AU$69 billion) Scott as “one of the most generous and kind people I know”.
Jewett was a teacher at the Lakeside School, a private school attended by Scott’s children.
Scott made headlines last year after effectively donating US$4 billion in four months. She gave the money away to charities and social enterprises as part of the Giving Pledge, which is a promise she made to give away half of her fortune over her lifetime.
Jewett has now also signed the pledge, describing it as an unusual experience to promise 50 per cent of his wealth, as someone who had always been a school teacher.
“It is strange to be writing a letter indicating I plan to give away the majority of my wealth during my lifetime, as I have never sought to gather the kind of wealth required to feel like saying such a thing would have particular meaning,” Jewett said.
“I have seen many ways that MacKenzie has seen her efforts enhanced when she acts on the belief that those with common values but different perspectives, strengths, and experiences are essential to effecting positive change.
“We are united in that understanding and in our excitement for all we have to learn from so many people working in service of others.”
Amazon founder and world’s richest man, the US$176.6 billion (AU$229.3 billion) Jeff Bezos welcomed the news.
“Dan is such a great guy, and I am happy and excited for the both of them,” Bezos said in a statement to the Wall Street Journal.
Bezos and Scott announced their divorce in January 2019 following 25 years of marriage. They reached a settlement later that year granting Scott a 4 per cent stake in Amazon, which was valued US$38.3 billion at the time, making her the world’s 22nd richest person.
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