MacKenzie Scott is an American novelist, philanthropist, and the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Over the past few years, she has emerged as one of the most impactful philanthropists in the world, gaining attention not only for the scale of her giving but also for her distinctive approach—emphasizing trust, speed, and equity. Her contributions have reshaped the philanthropic landscape and brought attention to underfunded organizations and marginalized communities.
Early Life and Education
MacKenzie Scott (née Tuttle) was born on April 7, 1970, in San Francisco, California. Raised in a financially comfortable family, she showed an early interest in literature and writing. She studied English at Princeton University, where she was mentored by the acclaimed author Toni Morrison. Morrison later described her as one of the best students she had ever had.
At Princeton, MacKenzie developed her skills as a writer and deepened her interest in storytelling, a passion that would lead her to a career as a novelist.
Marriage to Jeff Bezos and Role in Amazon
MacKenzie met Jeff Bezos while working at the hedge fund D.E. Shaw in New York City. The two married in 1993 and soon moved to Seattle to launch an ambitious online bookstore—Amazon. Although Jeff Bezos is credited as the founder of Amazon, MacKenzie played a crucial early role, helping with company operations, accounting, and the first business plan.
As Amazon grew into a tech and e-commerce giant, MacKenzie gradually stepped back from the business side and focused more on her literary and family life. The couple had four children together.
In 2019, MacKenzie and Jeff Bezos finalized their divorce after 25 years of marriage. As part of the settlement, she received approximately 4% of Amazon’s stock, making her one of the richest women in the world.
Career as a Novelist
MacKenzie Scott is a talented writer with a deep love for literature. She published her debut novel, The Testing of Luther Albright, in 2005. The book received critical acclaim and won the American Book Award in 2006. Her second novel, Traps, was published in 2013.
Her writing style reflects a thoughtful exploration of personal and emotional struggles, and while her literary output has been relatively limited, it showcases her dedication to the craft.
Revolutionary Philanthropy
Following her divorce, MacKenzie Scott signed the Giving Pledge, a commitment by the world’s wealthiest individuals to give away the majority of their fortune to charitable causes. True to her word, she began donating billions of dollars—rapidly, quietly, and without the typical fanfare of large foundations.
What sets her philanthropy apart:
- Unrestricted Giving: She often gives large, no-strings-attached donations to nonprofits, allowing them to use the money as they see fit.
- Focus on Equity: Her giving prioritizes racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, education access, and support for historically marginalized communities.
- Speed and Trust: Unlike traditional philanthropy that can take months or years to deliver funds, Scott’s team evaluates and distributes donations at an unusually fast pace.
- Transparency: She discloses her donations publicly through detailed blog posts, offering insights into her motivations and strategy.
As of 2025, MacKenzie Scott has donated over $15 billion to thousands of organizations worldwide, making her one of the most generous living philanthropists in history.
Personal Life and Values
MacKenzie Scott remarried in 2021 to Dan Jewett, a Seattle science teacher, though the couple reportedly divorced in 2023. Despite intense media attention, Scott remains an intensely private person. She avoids public appearances, social media, and interviews, allowing her philanthropy to speak for itself.
She has stated that she wants to redirect wealth and power toward those who have historically been excluded from opportunity. Her writings on philanthropy emphasize humility, listening, and a belief in collective change.
Legacy and Impact
MacKenzie Scott is not only one of the wealthiest women in the world but also one of the most influential figures in modern philanthropy. Her approach challenges traditional models of charitable giving and empowers nonprofits with the resources they need to create lasting change.
Through her generosity, thousands of grassroots organizations—many of which have long been overlooked—have been able to expand, stabilize, and innovate. In doing so, Scott has helped shift the focus from donor-centric to community-centric philanthropy.
Her legacy is still unfolding, but it’s already clear: MacKenzie Scott is redefining what it means to give.
