In a deeply personal Instagram post, Jeff Bezos revealed that his beloved mother, Jacklyn “Jackie” Gise Bezos, has passed away at the age of 78 after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. She died peacefully at her home in Miami, surrounded by her family.
Jackie’s story was one of courage, determination, and unwavering love. She became a mother at just 17 years old, raising Jeff as a single parent before marrying Miguel “Mike” Bezos, who adopted him. Her belief in Jeff’s potential was unshakable, famously backing his early vision for Amazon with one of the company’s first major investments.
Beyond her role as a mother, Jackie co-founded the Bezos Family Foundation, advocating for education and supporting children’s programs worldwide. She earned a psychology degree at 45, proving her belief in lifelong learning.
“She pounced on the job of loving me with ferocity,” Jeff wrote in his tribute, adding that her spirit and values will forever guide his life. In her honor, he named a Blue Origin recovery ship after her.
Jackie is survived by her husband Mike, children Jeff, Christina, and Mark, eleven grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to causes close to her heart through the Bezos Family Foundation.
Her life may have ended, but her influence will ripple for generations.