Bill Gates' ex Melinda, 59, continues to fuel romance rumors as she sports THAT giant diamond ring on her engagement finger for a second time - after confirming she's SPLIT from former Mormon boyfriend Jon Du Pre

Melinda Gates has thrown more fuel on the fiery speculation surrounding her current relationship status as she stepped out for the second time sporting an enormous diamond ring on her engagement finger. 

The 59-year-old former wife of Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates was seen strolling through New York City on Sunday with the impressive sparkler clearly visible on her left hand. 

Her outing came just one day after she was first seen modeling the dazzling diamond when she touched down in the city in a private helicopter on Saturday, prompting many to question whether she was planning to walk down the aisle with her former Fox News anchor boyfriend Jon Du Pre, who she was first linked with back in 2022. 

But the billionaire philanthropist quick shut down any suggestion that she and Jon, 65, are headed for the altar when she addressed the speculation in a statement via her rep this morning, confirming that the pair have broken up - and insisting that she is not currently engaged to anyone. 

Melinda Gates has been seen sporting a huge diamond ring on her wedding finger for the second time - despite furiously denying any suggestion that she is engaged 

The 59-year-old billionaire was seen wearing the large bauble during an outing in New York on Sunday - hours after she debuted it for the first time 

The mother-of-three seemed eager to conceal her new accessory, which had sparked rampant speculation that she is engaged to her boyfriend Jon Du Pre - before she confirmed their split

'Melinda is not engaged and is no longer dating Jon Du Pre,' a spokesperson told Page Six.

The mother-of-three, who has had no public romances since her relationship with Jon was revealed back in 2022, did seem more eager to conceal the bauble during her latest outing however - crossing her arms over her chest in what could well have been an attempt to hide the dazzler from view. 

Other than the eye-catching ring, Melinda did her best to blend into her surroundings with a simple black jacket and matching black jeans, which she paired with some $850 multi-colored Chloe sneakers, a $1,600 Celine bag, and some sunglasses that were perched on her head. 

She finished the look off with a white scarf that was wrapped around her neck and added a neon yellow T-shirt under her jacket. 

Although it's thought that Melinda has been living full-time in Seattle since she and Bill split in 2021, she does have plenty of reasons to visit New York - which is where her eldest daughter, Jennifer, is based with her husband Nayel Nassar and their one-year-old daughter Leila. 

Last month, Jennifer - who has been studying in med school - announced that she had matched for her residency at Mt. Sinai's pediatrics program, meaning that she will maintain her status as a New York resident for at least the next few years.

Jennifer's younger sister has also been spending a lot of time in New York recently, despite currently being enrolled at Stanford University in California, where she is studying human biology, according to her online profile. 

Since her divorce from Bill, Melinda has maintained a very close relationship with her daughters, regularly taking Phoebe with her on trips around the world. 

But while the reason for the matriarch's visit to New York may have had nothing to do with her love life, the addition of her diamond accessory will no doubt set tongues wagging about a potential romance yet again - particularly after she confirmed that she has split from Jon. 

Melinda Gates was spotted wearing a diamond ring on that finger over the weekend, but she has now revealed that she's not engaged and has split from her boyfriend, Jon Du Pre

Many were shocked when news hit the web that Melinda, 59, and former Fox News anchor Jon, 65, were dating back in 2022 - since he had an extremely controversial past

He also appeared to be the complete opposite of her ex-husband, Bill Gates (seen together in 2019)... As Melinda confirms their split, here's what we know about her relationship with Jon

Many were shocked when news hit the web that Melinda, 59, and Jon were dating back in 2022 - particularly because the former Fox News anchor appeared to be the complete opposite of her ex-husband, Bill, and also had an extremely controversial past that saw him admitting to abusing his wife while still living with the Mormon religion. 

Ex-Mormon Jon once admitted to verbally abusing his previous wife, writing in his memoir about how he would erupt in fits of 'explosive rage' that left her 'cowering' in fear.

He recalled calling his ex as a 'spoon-fed, spoiled-rotten b***h' in the book, and openly admitted to 'embarrassing her in front of their friends' and 'blaming her' for any 'little thing that went wrong' during the relationship.

Jon's tarnished reputation was certainly world's away from philanthropist Bill's squeaky clean persona - but it wasn't the only thing that set them apart.

Bill, 68, and journalist Jon couldn't be more different from one another; not only does Jon have severely contrasting looks to the Microsoft billionaire - he has a ripped body with a tattooed bicep - but his interests are also polar opposite to Bill's.

Based on his social media accounts, he loves to spend time outdoors and is often spotted hiking, while software developer Bill appears to be much more focused on computers, science, and the tech world.

Melinda first revealed back in March 2022 that she was officially 'dipping her toes' into the dating world again during an appearance on CBS Mornings (seen)

One month later, she and Jon were spotted attending a Brooklyn Nets basketball game together (seen). They also spent time in November at the lavish five-star hotel Pelican Hill

While the exact details surrounding the start of their romance are still unclear, Melinda first revealed back in March 2022 that she was officially 'dipping her toes' into the dating world again following her divorce from Bill.

At the time, she told CBS Mornings host Gayle King that she was 'definitely' open to finding love again - and even revealed that she had already met some suitors.

'It's interesting at this point,' she said with a giggle. 'You know, I'm dipping my toe in that water a little bit. 

'I feel like, I'm in a really good place. And I'm really, really excited about my life and about the world - the work ahead.'

One month later, she and Jon were spotted attending a Brooklyn Nets basketball game together.

And in November 2022, TMZ reported that the philanthropist and her new boyfriend were spending some intimate time at the lavish five-star hotel Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California.

They haven't been photographed together since then - but Melinda was recently seen sporting a huge new diamond rock on her ring finger, sparking rumors that she and Jon may be engaged.

She showed off the jewelry piece as she stepped off a private helicopter in New York City on Saturday.

In response to the speculation, her rep told Page Six that she was not gearing up to marry anybody and that she and Jon had ended their relationship. It's not known when exactly they split. 

Jon graduated from Brigham Young University in 1985, which is run by the Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

He started his career off as an anchor and reporter for KPNX TV in Arizona before moving to Fox News, where he worked as a correspondent until 2002. He is pictured on Fox News

Jon graduated from Brigham Young University in 1985, where he majored in Broadcast Journalism and had a minor in Italian Language and Literature, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He then moved to a series of other networks - including many small networks owned by ABC - before landing a job as a Strategic Communications Specialist at a PR firm in June 2019

BYU, located in Provo, Utah, is run by the Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

He started his career off as an anchor and reporter for KPNX TV in Arizona before moving to Fox News, where he worked as a correspondent from 1998 to 2002. 

He then moved to a series of other networks - including many small networks owned by ABC - before landing a job as a Strategic Communications Specialist at a PR firm in June 2019. 

He has more than three decades of experience in broadcasting, video editing, writing, and public speaking, and throughout his journalism career, Jon has earned a few Emmy awards, as well as a Golden Mic. 

He also launched his own media company called Du Pre Media in 2011. 

Jon penned his own book, entitled The Prodigal Father, in 2000, which showcased a journey that he went on to find his estranged and alcoholic father, Robert

Robert was a 'successful' FBI agent turned civil rights attorney - but he 'gradually turned dark' thanks to his heavy drinking and 'abandoned' the family. Jon's parents are seen

Jon also penned his own book, entitled The Prodigal Father, in 2000 - which landed on the Amazon.com Bestseller status for eight weeks.

The memoir documented the journey that he went on to find his estranged and alcoholic father, Robert, 20 years after he 'abandoned' Jon and his family members.

According to the book's description, Robert was a 'bright and successful' FBI agent turned well-respected civil rights attorney - but his 'idyllic beginnings gradually turned dark' thanks to his heavy drinking. 

'Moved by footage of a homeless man in a Boston snowstorm, Fox TV news anchorman Jon embarked on a midlife quest to find his own indigent father,' a description of the tome reads. 

'Moved by footage of a homeless man in a Boston snowstorm, Fox TV news anchorman Jon embarked on a midlife quest to find his own indigent father,' a description of the tome reads. Jon is seen as a baby with his siblings

'A "hero" in his son's young eyes, Robert Du Pre had been a bright, successful FBI agent turned well-respected civil rights attorney in South Carolina, the kind of father who "never missed a chance to praise his boys." 

'But these idyllic beginnings gradually turned dark. The author effectively traces his dysfunctional family history through uncomfortable afternoons in strangers' living rooms while his father visited with one of his mistresses in the bedroom; cold nights on the curb in front of the YMCA, waiting until midnight for his father to pick him up from early-evening basketball practice; and his father's drunken rages in the makeshift basement of the family "dream home" for which there was never quite enough money to finish building. 

'Luckily, a few interested coaches and teachers helped the author through high school, junior college and Brigham Young University, where he discovered a love for journalism. 

'But happiness at home and success at work never completely silenced Jon's inner demons. He felt compelled to confront his father with his questions, his anger, and his fear that his father's fate would somehow become his own - and ultimately found release in the encounter. 

'This is the gripping tale of Jon's own expedition into the dark forest of childhood to slay the three-headed monster of fear, anger and guilt, and to return healed and whole.' 

In his memoir, Jon admitted to verbally abusing his ex-wife , 1985's Miss Utah Gina Larsen, while she was pregnant with their child 

In an excerpt from his book, Jon recalled erupting in fits of 'explosive rage' after his wife made him 'feel guilty' for trying to find his father. His wife is seen with Miss Utah 2019 

In his memoir, Jon admitted to verbally abusing his ex-wife, 1985's Miss Utah Gina Larsen, while she was pregnant with their child.

According to the tome, the pair met while both studying journalism at the Mormon college Brigham Young. They married in 1986, and welcomed three children together. 

But in an excerpt from his book, Jon recalled erupting in fits of 'explosive rage' after his wife made him 'feel guilty' for trying to find his father.

'Once she was disarmed and I was loaded with explosive rage, she didn't have a chance,' he wrote.

'I stood and ran across the living room at my pregnant wife, and she cowered as I swelled with hot, angry air and launched the worst verbal attack she had ever endured.

'Welcome to the real world, princess, where not everyone is happy. For once, this one's not about you, you spoon-fed, spoiled-rotten b***h. This one's about me.

'I'm going to find out why my father f**ked up my life, and p**s on you for trying to make me feel guilty about it.'

As he continued, the former Fox reporter explained that shortly after the couple wed, his new wife 'learned which of his buttons never to press.' 

He recalled calling his ex as a 'spoon-fed, spoiled-rotten b***h' in the book, and openly admitted to 'embarrassing her in front of their friends'

According to the tome, the pair met while both studying journalism at the Mormon college Brigham Young. They married in 1986. Gina is seen in 1985 

'Gina grew accustomed to being crushed in arguments, to being embarrassed in front of our friends, to taking the blame for little thing that went wrong - the baby's stinking diaper, the burnt toast, the bounced check,' he admitted.

'I knew that demons from my past were threatening to destroy this new life that meant so much to me.'

In a more endearing note, Jon wrote about seeing his future wife competing in Miss America in Atlantic City in 1986. 

He said: 'I licked my lips when I saw her in that bathing suit.' 

It's unclear when the couple split, but Jon's ex-wife actually has similar expertise to Melinda's former husband Bill, as she previously worked in the 'computer software industry,' according to her LinkedIn page.

'Experienced account manager with a demonstrated history of working in the computer software industry,' her bio reads.

On top of her pageant career, Gina worked as a reporter like Jon. She then moved to the company Computer Integrated Services, where she served as a Senior Account Manager, before landing a job at Adobe.

She had a brief stint at digital customer experience company Clicktale, and she currently works as a Virtual Services Account Manager for the brand CISCO.

While it's unclear where Jon stands politically, Fox News is well-known for its conservative view points, so his former work with them is quite contradictory to Melinda's view points

It does seem, however, that Jon has turned against Fox News in recent years, as he shared quite a few news articles that slammed the network to his X account last year

He has also reposted tweets shared by Joe Biden, so it appears he may be a supporter of the current President

While it's unclear where Jon stands politically, Fox News is well-known for its conservative view points, so his former work with them is quite contradictory to Melinda's view points. 

She has not spoken out about her political opinions, but she and her ex-partner Bill quietly donated nearly $70 million in 2020 to 'a major liberal charity that acts as the "parent" organization of one of the largest pro-Democrat money groups' through their foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ReadSludge.com reported. 

In addition, he has showed his support for controversial Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

'The donations were given to Arabella Advisors’ New Venture Fund (NVF), a major player in the political nonprofit sphere that is the payroll reporting agent for Sixteen Thirty Fund, a money group that funneled tens of millions to super PACs during that 2020 election cycle that backed Democratic candidates including President Joe Biden,' the outlet added. 

It does seem, however, that Jon has turned against Fox News in recent years, as he shared quite a few news articles that slammed the network to his X, formerly Twitter, account last year.

He also bashed the organization for sharing 'fake news' and reposted tweets shared by Joe Biden, so it appears he may be a supporter of the current President.

In addition, he has showed his support for controversial Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Back in February, Jon shared a snap with RFK Jr. to Instagram, which he captioned, 'Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was brilliant, insightful, courageous, and inspirational last evening,' along with the hashtags #kennedy2024 #declareyourindependence.

RJFK Jr. previously faced a slew of backlash after he compared the COVID-19 vaccine to the Holocaust during an anti-vaccine protest, saying that 'even in Hitler's Germany, you could hide in the attic like Anne Frank did.'

Jon has three children from a previous relationship with Gina. He has two sons named Kasey and Jonny and a daughter named Jessie. He is seen with his kids

Kasey has two young sons of his own, and it looks like Jon is enjoying being a grandfather, as he often shares adorable pictures with his grandkids online

Based on his social media, Jon, who has shown off his muscles on Instagram quite a lot, loves working out, hiking, golf, and running

'When he’s not chasing stories and delivering the news of the day, Jon can probably be found training for a triathlon,' his bio for ABC 4 reads

One thing Bill and Jon (seen) do have in common is their love of golf

Jon's sons, Kasey and Jonny, both also graduated from BYU, and his daughter Jessie graduated from University of Utah, according to Page Six. 

Kasey has two young sons of his own, and it looks like Jon is enjoying being a grandfather, as he often shares adorable pictures with his grandkids online. 

Based on his social media, Jon, who has shown off his muscles on Instagram quite a lot, loves working out, hiking, golf, and running. 

He has a tattoo of a lipstick kiss on his upper arm, while Bill, on the other hand, has no ink designs.

'When he’s not chasing stories and delivering the news of the day, Jon can probably be found training for a triathlon,' his bio for ABC 4 reads.

His day-to-day life seems polar opposite to Bill's who told Business Insider in 2017 that his daily routine consisted of reading and working, but he did say that he enjoys running on the treadmill. 

In his down time, he also said he loves to play the card game Bridge. One thing Bill and Jon do have in common is their love of golf.