MacKenzie Bezos set to give half her $37 billion fortune to charity: 'I have a disproportionate amount of money to share'
MacKenzie Bezos, months after finalizing her divorce from Jeff Bezos — the world's richest man, has decided to give at least half of her fortune to charity. The Amazon CEO's former wife, who is an award-winning novelist and journalist, is currently the third richest woman in the world.
The billionaire is fresh in the news for reportedly signing the Giving Pledge, which encourages the world's richest people to dedicate a majority of their wealth to charitable causes. The signatories can do this either through their lifetimes or write it in their wills.
The initiative, launched by billionaires Warren Buffet, and Bill and Melinda Gates in 2010, had garnered the support of at least 204 individuals and families, according to CNN.
MacKenzie Bezos became one of the richest people in the world after her divorce from Jeff Bezos earlier this year. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, MacKenzie Bezos currently ranks 22nd on the list with an estimated net worth of $36.6 billion. Her former husband leads the global rankings with a net worth of $114 billion.
In a letter dated May 25, MacKenzie Bezos announced her decision, saying: "I have a disproportionate amount of money to share. 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." The letter was published on Tuesday.
Reports state that MacKenzie Bezos was one of the 19 new signatories of the Giving Pledge announced on Tuesday. The group reportedly includes the co-founder of WhatsApp Brian Acton, the co-founder of Pinterest Paul Sciarra, and the CEO of Coinbase Brian Armstrong.
Buffet, who ranks high among the richest people in the world, on Tuesday, said: "The generosity of this group is a reflection of the inspiration we take from the many millions of people who work quietly and effectively to create a better world for others, often at a great personal sacrifice."