In May 2021, the world was taken by surprise when Bill and Melinda Gates, after 27 years of marriage, announced their decision to divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple, widely regarded as one of the most powerful and influential in the tech world, had built a vast empire together.
As one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates’ wealth at the time of the divorce filing was estimated at $130 billion, making this divorce potentially the most expensive in history.
The couple had no prenuptial agreement, so the dissolution of their marriage was governed by Washington’s community property laws, which require a 50/50 split of assets acquired during the marriage.
This legal framework added significant complexity to the divorce proceedings.
Bill Gates (Credit: YouTube)
The couple’s wealth was not just in their business holdings but extended to their impressive collection of art, real estate, and other assets. Among the notable assets was their art collection, valued at around $124 million.
This included several rare and valuable pieces, such as Lost on the Grand Banks by Winslow Homer, an oil painting purchased for $36 million in 1998, setting an American record at the time.
Other art pieces included Room of Flowers by Childe Hassam, which Gates had bought for $20 million, and The Nursery by William Merritt Chase, which was valued at approximately $10 million.
One of the most significant and expensive pieces in their collection was Polo Crowd by George Bellows, purchased at auction in 1999 for $27.5 million.
Perhaps the most fascinating item in the collection was the Codex Leicester, a rare scientific manuscript written and illustrated by Leonardo da Vinci.
Gates had purchased this in 1994 for $30.9 million, and its historical and intellectual value made it a standout piece in the Gates’ collection.
Bill Gates (Credit: X)
The Codex Leicester contained da Vinci’s thoughts and observations on science, written between 1504 and 1508, and Gates had previously offered to exhibit it at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence in 2018 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo’s death.
Despite the complexity of the settlement and the division of their vast fortune, the Gates remained committed to their philanthropic work through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Although their personal relationship came to an end, their shared commitment to global health, education, and poverty alleviation continued, with both of them remaining active in the foundation’s operations post-divorce.
As of the divorce settlement, experts noted that Bill Gates’ wealth far outpaced the wealth of many nations, and the division of assets between the two was unprecedented in its scale.
This divorce marked not just the end of a marriage but also the splitting of an empire that had shaped much of the global landscape in terms of technology and philanthropy.
The Gates’ divorce was both a personal and financial landmark, setting a record in the world of high-profile divorces.
Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham on October 24, 1986, in Toronto, Canada, is a multi-talented artist who has achieved incredible success in music, acting, and business.
With a net worth of $250 million in 2024, Drake has cemented his place as one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world, thanks to his prolific music career, successful ventures in business, and smart investments in real estate.
Drake initially rose to fame as an actor on the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation, where he played the role of Jimmy Brooks, a basketball player who is shot and left in a wheelchair.
Although his acting career gave him initial exposure, it was his music that truly propelled him to global superstardom.
Music: Albums & Tours
After beginning his music career by releasing mixtapes in the mid-2000s, he caught the attention of rap legend Lil Wayne, leading to a lucrative partnership with Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment.
Drake (Credit: YouTube)
Drake’s third mixtape, So Far Gone, released in 2009, marked a turning point in his career, featuring the hit singles “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful.”
Drake’s mainstream breakthrough came with the release of his first studio album, Thank Me Later, in 2010, which debuted at number one on the charts and earned him his first Grammy.
He followed this with Take Care (2011), which solidified his position in the hip-hop world and earned him more Grammys. Over the years, each album he released continued to break records and set new standards in the industry.
With hits like “Hotline Bling,” “God’s Plan,” and “In My Feelings,” Drake has become one of the most commercially successful artists of all time. By 2024, he was the top-selling artist of all time in digital singles, with over 163 million sold.
Beyond music, Drake has made strategic moves in business and investments. In 2012, he founded his own record label, OVO Sound, which has grown into an influential platform for other artists like PartyNextDoor and Majid Jordan.
He has also served as a global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors and invested heavily in a range of successful ventures, including the liquor brand Virginia Black and lucrative partnerships with companies like Nike and Apple.
His financial savvy has extended to real estate, where he has purchased multiple properties, including his $7.7 million YOLO estate in California, a $6.7 million mansion in Toronto, and a $75 million mansion in Beverly Hills.
OVO Brand
One of the most notable aspects of Drake’s wealth is his ability to diversify his income streams. In addition to his music and brand deals, Drake’s tours have earned him millions.
His “Summer Sixteen Tour” grossed $84.3 million, making it the highest-grossing hip-hop tour at the time. He also earns millions per show from his residency in Las Vegas and his annual OVO Fest in Toronto, which consistently sells out.
Others
Drake’s total career earnings have surpassed $430 million, with substantial yearly earnings, such as $95 million in 2017 alone.
He also signed a groundbreaking deal with Universal Music Group in 2022, which could be worth as much as $400 million, covering various entertainment sectors.
His investments and deals have allowed him to continually expand his empire, from his real estate holdings to his burgeoning business ventures.
Drake (Credit: Facebook)
Throughout his journey, Drake has faced challenges, including financial struggles during his childhood when he and his mother lived in a modest townhouse in Toronto.
However, his early years of hardship only motivated him to work harder and pursue his passions for acting and music.
His personal life, including high-profile relationships and fatherhood, has also been part of his public image, further elevating his status as a cultural icon.
Drake’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and business acumen. His journey from a struggling actor to one of the most influential figures in entertainment is nothing short of inspiring.
With his constant reinvention and ability to diversify his income, Drake’s legacy continues to grow, ensuring that he remains one of the most prominent figures in the music industry and beyond.
