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Melinda French Gates Reveals Why She Allowed Her Children to Choose Their Last Name During School

While speaking with 'Elle' for the annual Women of Impact feature, Melinda French Gates emphasized how important keeping her family life private was to her as she raised her children.

French Gates wanted to maintain some normalcy in her children's life, so she decided her kids would use her maiden name in elementary school. "Look, divorces are painful, and it’s not something I would wish on any family," she told Elle when asked about her ex-husband's recent comments lamenting how their relationship ended — something she insisted she hadn't been focused on. As for her now, the Pivotal Ventures founder told the outlet she's focused on her work while still making time for her personal life.

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