MIAMI, Florida — Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is grieving the loss of his mother, Jackie Bezos, who passed away on Thursday, August 14, at the age of 78, following a long fight with Lewy body dementia.
A Life Dedicated to Family and Education
The Bezos Family Foundation announced her passing, sharing that Jackie died peacefully at her Miami home surrounded by her husband, Miguel Bezos, her children Jeff, Christina, and Mark, along with 11 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Jeff Bezos, 61, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing:
“She passed away today, surrounded by so many of us who loved her — her kids, grandkids, and my dad. I know she felt our love in those final moments. I hold her safe in my heart forever.”
Jackie’s death marks the end of a life deeply intertwined with both family and philanthropy. With her husband, she invested US$245,573 into Jeff’s then-risky startup in 1995 — the company that became Amazon.com.
Philanthropy and Lasting Impact
Jackie co-founded the Bezos Family Foundation in 2000, focusing on early childhood education. Her vision created two flagship initiatives:
- Vroom, a parenting resource sharing brain-building tips through an app and other platforms.
- The Bezos Scholars Program, selecting 17 young Americans and Africans annually for leadership training.
In August 2024, the foundation made its largest gift to date — US$185.7 million to the Aspen Institute — cementing Jackie’s legacy in youth-focused philanthropy.
Embed from Getty ImagesA Journey Marked by Determination
Born Jacklyn Marie Gise in Virginia in 1946, Jackie overcame significant challenges, including becoming a teen mother. She divorced her first husband, later marrying Cuban immigrant Miguel Bezos in 1968, who adopted Jeff. Jackie was described as a “foremost protector” of her son, nurturing his curiosity and determination from an early age.
Her personal story reflects resilience — completing her high school diploma under strict conditions, attending community college with a toddler in tow, and later earning a degree at age 40.
Remembering Jackie Bezos
Jackie was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the disease is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s, affecting memory, movement, and sleep. There is currently no cure.
Her passing comes just months after Jeff Bezos’s high-profile wedding celebration in Italy with journalist Lauren Sánchez.
For more on her lifelong commitment to education, visit the Bezos Family Foundation or the United Nations Education Initiatives.
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