Melinda French Gates has opened up about why she ended her 27-year marriage to Microsoft founder Bill Gates. In a recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she explained that a lack of honesty in the relationship led to the split.

Melinda said honesty is important for building trust and intimacy in a marriage. She shared that when honesty is missing, it becomes hard to stay close and connected. That’s why she made the difficult choice to leave.

The couple, who divorced in 2021, have three children together. Melinda, now 60, is back in the spotlight to promote her new memoir. In the book, she talks openly about the big changes in her life, including the divorce.

“I wanted a relationship where we were honest with each other,” Melinda said. “If you don’t have honesty, you can’t have intimacy or trust. So in the end, I had to go.”