Bezos’ Ex-Wife Net Worth – MacKenzie Scott’s Fortune and Philanthropy
What is Bezos’ ex-wife’s net worth today, and how did MacKenzie Scott become one of the richest women in the world while simultaneously giving away billions of dollars? As the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Scott received a significant portion of Amazon stock in their 2019 divorce settlement. Since then, her wealth has fluctuated with Amazon’s value, but she has made global headlines not for how much she keeps, but for how much she gives away. Her fortune is a story of massive wealth creation, rapid philanthropy, and a legacy that goes beyond money.
Who Is MacKenzie Scott?
MacKenzie Scott, born MacKenzie Tuttle on April 7, 1970, grew up in San Francisco, California. From an early age, she demonstrated a talent for storytelling and writing. She attended Princeton University, where she studied under the legendary author Toni Morrison. Morrison later praised Scott as one of her best students, highlighting her skill as a writer.
Before her marriage to Jeff Bezos, Scott pursued a career in literature. She published novels such as The Testing of Luther Albright (2005), which won an American Book Award, and Traps (2013). While her career as a novelist did not make her a household name, it showcased her talent and creativity.
Her life took a dramatic turn when she married Jeff Bezos in 1993. The couple met while working at the investment firm D.E. Shaw in New York. Soon after, they moved to Seattle and began building what would become Amazon. Scott was instrumental in the company’s early years, helping with operations, accounting, and even the search for Amazon’s first office.
Divorce Settlement and Amazon Fortune
In January 2019, Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott announced their divorce after 25 years of marriage. At the time, it was the most expensive divorce settlement in history. As part of the agreement, Scott received 25% of the couple’s Amazon stock holdings, which amounted to about a 4% stake in the company. This made her one of the wealthiest women in the world almost overnight.
At the time of the divorce, her stake in Amazon was worth around $36 billion. In the years following, Amazon’s value soared due to the surge in e-commerce, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Amazon stock prices rose, so did her net worth, at times exceeding $60 billion.
This extraordinary settlement reshaped the global billionaire rankings, placing her among the richest women globally and firmly tying her financial future to Amazon’s market performance.
Growth of Wealth Through Amazon
Amazon’s rapid growth after the divorce amplified Scott’s fortune. The company became one of the most valuable corporations in the world, and as a significant shareholder, she reaped the benefits. At various points, her net worth fluctuated dramatically, rising to over $60 billion when Amazon shares peaked and dropping when stock prices fell.
Despite selling billions worth of Amazon shares over time, her remaining holdings still account for most of her wealth. The stock provided the fuel for her philanthropy and established her financial independence.
Her net worth is therefore not static; it is closely tied to Amazon’s share price. Yet, even when stock values dip, Scott remains one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
Philanthropy and Giving Pledge
What distinguishes MacKenzie Scott from many other billionaires is her approach to philanthropy. In May 2019, shortly after her divorce, she signed the Giving Pledge, a commitment by some of the world’s richest individuals to donate most of their wealth during their lifetimes.
True to her word, Scott has become one of the most active philanthropists in modern history. Between 2020 and 2024, she gave away more than $14 billion to over 1,600 organizations. Her donations have supported a wide range of causes, including racial equity, gender equality, climate change, education, public health, and nonprofit organizations serving marginalized communities.
Her style of philanthropy is unique: she gives unrestricted grants, meaning recipient organizations can use the funds as they see fit rather than adhering to donor restrictions. This approach has been praised as transformative because it trusts nonprofits to direct resources where they are most needed.
Her donations have made her not only one of the most generous donors of her era but also one of the most influential women in global philanthropy. While her giving has reduced her position on billionaire rankings, it has earned her admiration worldwide for using her wealth to address systemic issues.
Breakdown of MacKenzie Scott’s Net Worth
Amazon Shares and Investments
Scott’s Amazon stock remains the primary source of her wealth. She has sold portions of her holdings to fund her philanthropy but still retains a significant stake in the company. The value of this stake fluctuates with Amazon’s market performance, often causing her net worth to swing by billions in a short period.
Book Royalties
Although modest compared to her Amazon wealth, Scott continues to receive royalties from her novels. Her literary background and achievements add a unique dimension to her identity, showing that her career was never solely defined by her marriage to Bezos.
Philanthropic Giving
Scott’s philanthropy is central to her financial profile. By giving away over $14 billion, she has reduced her net worth substantially. Yet, her ability to continue donating while remaining among the richest individuals in the world underscores the scale of her fortune.
Real Estate and Other Assets
Scott owns properties and other investments, though they are less publicized compared to her Amazon holdings. Reports indicate she has sold or donated some properties as part of her philanthropic mission. Her wealth, however, is overwhelmingly tied to Amazon stock.
Estimate: What Is Bezos’ Ex-Wife Net Worth Today?
As of 2025, Bezos’ ex-wife net worth is estimated to be between $35 billion and $40 billion. This figure makes her one of the richest women in the world, even after donating more than $14 billion to charitable causes. Her wealth is less than Jeff Bezos’ estimated fortune, which exceeds $180 billion, but her focus has shifted from accumulation to redistribution.
Her net worth will continue to fluctuate with Amazon’s stock performance and her ongoing philanthropy. Yet, despite the billions she has given away, she remains firmly in the ranks of the ultra-wealthy.
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