The mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has died at the age 78.
A statement by the Bezos Scholars Program said that Jacklyn Bezos, also known as Jackie, died peacefully in her Miami home on Thursday.
Their statement mentioned: ‘Her peaceful last moments concluded a life that exemplified grit and determination, as well as kindness and a dedication to serving others for family and friends alike.’
‘Jackie’s commitment to service was matched only by her love for family and creating memories together. As a grandmother, she cherished the happiness of witnessing her family flourish.’
‘She passed down not only traditions and stories, but also her values – kindness, resilience, and the importance of togetherness.’
According to the statement she had been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020, with her husband Mike remaining by her side throughout.
The family acknowledge the team of health care professionals that had helped her over the last few years, their statement said.
Lauren Sanchez, Bezos’ wife, shared the news of her passing on Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute to her mother-in-law accompanied by a breaking heart emoji.
Bezos is seen here with his late mom at an Amazon event in 2016
According to the statement Jacklyn had been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020
After news of her passing was shared to social media by the Bezos Scholars, their page was quickly inundated with tributes.
Someone remarked: ‘I feel privileged to have worked alongside Jackie on the Bezos Scholars program and to maintain a connection with her and Mike. The world is truly enriched for having known her.’
Another added: ‘Jackie taught and lived by the ripple effect. The ripples she created will continue to magnify. How she touched so many lives.’
Jacklyn had met Jeff’s biological father Ted Jorgensen and gave birth to the billionaire at the age of 17, they had married the year previously.
When Jeff was only 17 months old, she separated from Jorgensen and eventually wed Miguel ‘Mike’ Bezos, a Cuban refugee who adopted Jeff. They also have a son named Mark together.
Jacklyn and Miguel went on the invest just under $250,000 into Amazon in 1995 to help their son with his new company.
The sum that they lent him was considered not just a huge amount but also a massive risk as people were still skeptical of the internet.
But the gamble paid off, as their son is now worth over $243 billion dollars – with Amazon a $2 trillion company.
The couple is pictured here.
Jacklyn and Miguel went on the invest just under $250,000 into Amazon in 1995 to help their son with his new company
In 2022, Bezos helped his parents snap up a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom waterfront mansion in Miami in 2022 for $34 million
Bezos spoke about the original investment his parents gave him at a 2015 event, recalling telling them: ‘I want you to know how risky this is.
‘Because I want to come home at dinner for Thanksgiving and I don’t want you to be mad at me.’
It is unclear how much stock they still hold in the company, they donated just under 600,000 shares to the Bezos Family Foundation from 2001 to 2016 according to filings.
In 2022, Bezos helped his parents snap up a six-bedroom, seven-bathroom waterfront mansion in Miami in 2022 for $34 million.
The property was bought by a Delaware company linked to Bezos’ parents with the help of a $5million loan from the Bank of America.
