Jeff Bezos’ mother, Jacklyn “Jackie” Gise Bezos, died on Thursday at the age of 78, the Amazon founder confirmed on social media.
While no official cause of death has been released, Jeff Bezos said she had “a long fight with Lewy Body Dementia.”
Newsweek reached out to Bezos’ representative for comment on Friday via email outside regular working hours.
The Context
Bezos is the fourth wealthiest person in the world, Forbes reported, with a net worth of $243.6 billion as of August 15. The 61-year-old founded Amazon in 1994 out of his Seattle garage. He also owns the The Washington Post and the aerospace company Blue Origin.
In June, the businessman got married to Lauren Sanchez in Italy.
What To Know
On Thursday, Jeff Bezos took to Instagram to share the news of his mother’s death.
According to an obituary on the Bezos Scholars Program website, Jacklyn Bezos “died peacefully in her Miami home on August 14th.”
Jeff Bezos wrote: “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.”
His statement continued: “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.”
“I love you, mom,” he concluded.
The Mayo Clinic defines Lewy Body Dementia, also known as LBD, as “the second-most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.”
LBD “causes a decline in mental abilities that gradually gets worse over time. People with LBD might see things that aren’t there, known as visual hallucinations. They also may have changes in alertness and attention.”
What People Are Saying
In the comments underneath Bezos’ social media tribute, people shared messages of support.
Lauren Sanchez wrote in a note with 1,156 likes: “We will miss her SO much. Love you.”
Actress Sharon Stone said in a message with 827 likes: “My sincere condolences I just lost my mom too.”
Spanish actor Antonio Banderas shared in a translated reply with 421 likes: “my deepest sympathy to you. Much strength in these tough times.”
Model Naomi Campbell posted in a comment with 138 likes: “My Sincere condolences to you, your family & loved ones.”
Model Miranda Kerr added in a tribute with 93 likes: “Thinking of you and your family.”
What Happens Next
Jacklyn Gise Bezos is survived by her husband, Miguel “Mike” Bezos, her three children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, the Bezos Scholars Program website states.
The post Jeff Bezos’ Mother Jackie’s Cause of Death: What We Know appeared first on Newsweek.
