Read: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ heartfelt letter on his mother Jacklyn Gise Bezos’ death at the age of 78

Jeff Bezos, Jacklyn Gise Bezos,

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ mother, Jacklyn Gise Bezos, passed away on August 14 at the age of 78. She had been living with Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder, for five years following her diagnosis in 2020. The Bezos Family Foundation, a philanthropic organisation she co-founded, confirmed her death in a statement, noting that she died peacefully at her home in Miami.

Tribute from the Bezos Family Foundation

The statement described her passing as “a quiet final chapter to a life that taught all of us, friends and family alike, the true meaning of grit and determination, kindness, and service to others.”

Jeff Bezos’ heartfelt letter

Bezos shared an emotional message on Instagram, reflecting on his mother’s life, resilience, and unwavering love:

“Her adulthood started a little bit early when she became my mom at the tender age of 17. That couldn’t have been easy, but she made it all work. She pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity, brought my amazing dad onto the team a few years later, and then added my sister and brother to her list of people to love, guard, and nourish. For the rest of her life, that list of people to love never stopped growing. She always gave so much more than she ever asked for. 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.

Jacklyn Gise Bezos

December 29, 1946 - August 14, 2025

I love you, mom.”

Life and legacy

Born on December 29, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Jacklyn grew up in Bernalillo and Albuquerque, New Mexico. She became a mother at 17 and balanced her education by attending night school while working during the day. In 1968, she married Miguel “Mike” Bezos, a Cuban immigrant who adopted Jeff, and together they raised their children Mark, Christina, and Jeff.

Jacklyn played a pivotal role in the early days of Amazon. In 1995, she and her husband invested $245,573 in Jeff’s startup, a decision that would eventually see Amazon grow into one of the world’s largest companies.