Jeff Bezos' mother and early Amazon backer, Jackie Bezos, passes away at the age of 78.
Jackie Bezos, Early Investor in Amazon and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 78
Jackie Bezos, the mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and an influential philanthropist, passed away on August 14, 2025, at the age of 78. She died peacefully at home in Miami surrounded by family, following a prolonged battle with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disease.
Born in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 29, 1946, Jackie Bezos was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She faced significant challenges early in life, including being nearly barred from high school graduation due to her pregnancy in 1964. However, her father negotiated with the principal to allow her to complete her education.
Jackie Bezos' life story is one of resilience and determination. After divorcing Jeff's biological father, she later married Miguel "Mike" Bezos, who legally adopted Jeff and helped raise him alongside their other children, Mark and Christina.
In 1995, Jackie Bezos and her husband invested just over $245,000 in Amazon, the online bookstore founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994. This initial capital investment played a pivotal role in the company's early growth.
Beyond her early support for Amazon, Jackie Bezos co-founded and served as president of the Bezos Family Foundation, which she started with her husband in 2000. The foundation provides educational grants and is actively involved in philanthropy.
Jeff Bezos publicly honoured his mother's courage and dedication in caring for her family despite early hardships and later health battles. Jackie Bezos is survived by her husband, her three children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Through her investment in Amazon and her philanthropic efforts, Jackie Bezos left a lasting impact. Her life and commitment have inspired narratives about grit, determination, and family devotion. The growth of Amazon, which is now one of the world’s most valuable companies, currently valued at almost $2.5 trillion, is a testament to her initial support.
During a period in her life, Jackie Bezos worked at a bank. In 1995, at the age of 45, she returned to college and received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey. Her mothering style involved bringing her baby to class and keeping her son, Jeff, occupied during classes.
The Bezos Family Foundation made a statement regarding Jackie Bezos' diagnosis with Lewy body dementia in 2020. Despite her health challenges, Jackie Bezos continued to be an active and influential figure in both her family and philanthropic endeavours.
In remembrance of Jackie Bezos, her legacy will live on through the impact she had on Amazon's early growth, her philanthropic efforts, and her inspiring story of resilience and determination.
- Despite her busy life as an early investor in Amazon and a philanthropist, Jackie Bezos found time to pursue her educational journey, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology at the age of 45.
- In addition to her investment in Amazon, Jackie Bezos also left a significant mark on the field of education through her role as co-founder and president of the Bezos Family Foundation.
- Beyond her accomplishments in sports (no direct reference in the given text), entertainment, and news, Jackie Bezos' life story and relationship with celebrities remain lesser-known, yet her impact on education, entertainment (through Amazon), and philanthropy is undeniably significant.
