JEFF Bezos is mourning the loss of his mother, Jacklyn “Jackie” Bezos, who has died at the age of 78.
The Bezos Family Foundation announced the news, revealing she passed away peacefully at her Miami home on Thursday.
While no cause of death was given, the Foundation said she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020.
Jackie’s death comes just weeks after Jeff’s star-studded wedding to Lauren Sánchez in Venice.
In an emotional post, Jeff reflected on how his mom’s life as an adult began early, becoming a mother at just 17.
He mentioned that she “embraced the role of loving me with intensity,” subsequently welcoming his stepfather Mike into the family and extending her affection to his siblings Christina and Mark.
Bezos said her “list of people to love never stopped growing” and that she “always gave so much more than she ever asked for.”
He shared that after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Jackie died surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and Mike.
“I am certain she felt our love in those last moments. We were incredibly fortunate to be part of her life,” he wrote, adding: “I will cherish her in my heart forever… I love you, mom.”
Lauren commented under her husband’s tribute saying: “We will miss her SO much. Love you.”
In an emotional homage, the Foundation portrayed Jackie as “the epitome of resilience and perseverance, compassion, and dedication to others” — principles she imparted to her children and grandchildren.
It praised her husband, Mike Bezos, for staying by her side “at every step” of her illness and thanked the healthcare team who cared for her.
Born on December 29, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Jackie had Jeff at the age of 17 with her first husband, Ted Jorgensen, before they separated when Jeff was a young child.
She later married Cuban immigrant Miguel “Mike” Bezos in 1968 — a lifelong partnership that lasted nearly six decades.
In 1995, the couple famously invested just under $250,000 into Jeff’s then-new venture, Amazon.
A committed mother to Jeff, Christina, and Mark, Jackie balanced employment, evening studies, and family responsibilities — making numerous trips to Radio Shack for Jeff, overseeing cheerleading practice for Christina, and transporting drums in the family station wagon for Mark.
She later earned her psychology degree at 45, proving, as the Foundation put it, “it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”
In 2000, she and Mike established the Bezos Family Foundation, leading projects like Vroom, aimed at supporting early childhood development, and the Bezos Scholars Program for students in the US and Africa.
She also played a major role in funding groundbreaking cancer research at Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
Her greatest joy, however, was family — particularly her 11 grandchildren, for whom she created “Camp Marmie,” a summer tradition of adventures, problem-solving, and laughter.
Lauren also re-shared the tribute on Instagram Stories with a broken heart emoji.
Jackie is survived by Mike, her children Jeff, Christina, and Mark, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The family is asking people to honor her memory by supporting a meaningful nonprofit or performing a simple act of kindness.
