Jeff Bezos Former Wife, MacKenzie to Give 50% of Her $36.6 billion Fortune to Charity

MacKenzie, the former wife of Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, has pledged to donate 50 percent of her wealth to charity.

The announcement comes weeks after she finalized the biggest divorce settlement with the world’s wealthiest man, leaving her $36.6 billion richer.

MacKenzie has signed the Giving Pledge, which encourages the world’s wealthiest people to dedicate a large share of their fortune to charitable causes.

The initiative was launched in 2010 by billionaires Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates.

So far the initiative has attracted the support of 204 rich individuals and families.

MacKenzie became one of the richest persons in the world following her divorce from Jeff Bezos in April this year. She ranks 22nd on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

“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,” she said in the letter announcing the move.

In a tweet, Amazon CEO Bezos hailed his former wife’s decision saying: “MacKenzie is going to be amazing and thoughtful and effective at philanthropy, and I’m proud of her."