MacKenzie Bezos has promised at least half of her fortune to charity, CNN reports.
She became the third richest woman on the planet this year after finalizing her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest man. Her personal fortune is estimated at $36.6 billion.
MacKenzie has signed the Giving Pledge, which inspires the world’s richest people to gift a majority of their fortune to charitable causes, either while alive or in their wills. The initiative was founded by Warren Buffett and Melinda Gates in 2010 and currently has the support of 204 individuals and families.
MacKenzie settled her divorce in April, and now ranks 22nd on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Her husband’s personal fortune is roughly estimated at $114 billion.
MacKenzie shared the news in a statement, writing, “I have a disproportionate amount of money to share.” She continued, “My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful. It will take time and effort and care. But I won't wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty,” per CNN.
The Amazon CEO applauded MacKenzie’s decision, writing on Twitter, “MacKenzie is going to be amazing and thoughtful and effective at philanthropy, and I’m proud of her. Her letter is so beautiful. Go get 'em MacKenzie.”
It was revealed in April that MacKenzie will give her ex-husband 75 percent of their stock in Amazon, as well as voting rights over her shares. MacKenzie will maintain 25 percent of their shared stock, which equates to a 4 percent stake in the company. The former couple shares four children.
In January, they announced they would be seeking a divorce after 25 years of marriage. A day later, the National Enquirer ran a bombshell report alleging Jeff had been unfaithful to MacKenzie with TV presenter Lauren Sanchez. Bezos accused the tabloid, owned and operated by American Media Inc. and run by Trump ally David Pecker, of trying to extort him.
