Jackie Bezos, the mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has passed away at 78. In an emotional tribute, Jeff shared details about her life, including her fight with Lewy Body Dementia, and the legacy of love and dedication she leaves behind.
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jackie Bezos, mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, announces her passing on August 14, 2025, at the age of 78. Surrounded by close family, Jackie’s passing marks the end of a life rich in love, generosity, and dedication to others.
In a statement, the Bezos Scholars Program — which Jackie co-founded — described her as a compassionate force who lived a life of resilience, generosity, and a commitment to uplifting others. She was deeply passionate about youth education and providing opportunities for young leaders to thrive.
A Life Defined by Sacrifice and Resilience
Born Jacklyn Gise on December 29, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Jackie’s early life was marked by sacrifice. At just 17 years old, she became a mother to Jeff Bezos while still attending high school. Despite the challenges of being a single teen mother, Jackie worked at a bank during the day and attended night school, determined to create a better future for herself and her son.
In 1968, Jackie married Miguel “Mike” Bezos, a Cuban immigrant, and coworker at the bank. Together, they raised a family grounded in love, hard work, and shared values, with Jackie playing a pivotal role in supporting Jeff and his siblings through their educational and personal journeys.
Championing Youth and Education
Later in life, Jackie became a strong advocate for education, co-founding the Bezos Scholars Program. Her work with the program focused on mentoring high-achieving students, helping them to engage in public service and innovation. The program reflected her fierce belief in empowering youth and creating opportunities for future generations.
Jackie’s unwavering commitment to others was described as the driving force behind her advocacy. The Bezos Scholars Program remembered her as “a fierce advocate and supporter, filled with heart for others, and never accepting the status quo.”
A Heartfelt Tribute from Jeff Bezos
In an emotional tribute on Instagram, Jeff Bezos shared his memories of his mother, recalling how she made sacrifices at a young age to provide him with a better life. He spoke of her deep commitment to family and the love she gave without expecting anything in return.
Jeff also revealed that Jackie had been battling Lewy Body Dementia, a degenerative neurological condition. He wrote:
“After a long fight with Lewy Body Dementia, 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. We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever.”
A Lasting Legacy
Jackie’s legacy is not only found in her work but also in the profound impact she had on her family and the countless young lives she helped shape through her efforts. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to a nonprofit organization or that people perform simple acts of kindness in Jackie’s memory.
Jackie Bezos is survived by her husband, Miguel, her children, including Jeff Bezos, and her grandchildren. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and advocate for positive change.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow.
