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Jackie Bezos, the mother to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and co-founder of the Bezos Family Foundation, has died at the age of 78. Her family confirmed the news on Thursday, saying she passed away peacefully in Miami following a battle with Lewy body dementia.
Jeff Bezos, 61, shared a heartfelt tribute to his mother on Instagram, recalling her strength and unwavering devotion. "She passed away today, surrounded by so many of us who loved her, her kids, grandkids, and my dad," he wrote. "Her adulthood started early when she became my mom at just 17, and she took on that role with endless love and determination. I hold her safe in my heart forever."
Diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020, Jackie fought the condition for several years. The illness, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's, affects cognition, movement, and sleep. Throughout her struggle, her husband Miguel "Mike" Bezos, who adopted Jeff when he was a toddler, remained by her side.
Jackie is survived by her husband, three children, Jeff, Christina, and Mark, as well as 11 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
The Bezos Family Foundation remembered her as a devoted mother who built a nurturing environment for her children. "She made countless trips for Jeff's electronics projects, spent hours at Christina's cheerleading practices, and hauled drums for Mark's band," the foundation said. "She gave her family patience, wisdom, and a safe place filled with love."
Friends and colleagues also paid tribute. Jeff's partner, Lauren Sánchez, wrote on Instagram: "We will miss her so much. Love you." The Bezos Scholars Program, an educational initiative she championed, called her a woman who taught "the meaning of grit, kindness, and service to others."
Jackie and Mike Bezos famously supported Jeff's entrepreneurial dream in the mid-1990s by investing nearly $250,000 into his fledgling online bookstore, a decision that helped launch one of the world's most valuable companies.
