Who Are Jeff Bezos's Parents?
Jeff Bezos's parents are Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen and Ted Jorgensen. Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen is his biological mother, and Ted Jorgensen is his biological father. They married as teenagers in 1963 and divorced when Bezos was a toddler. Bezos was raised by his mother and stepfather, Miguel "Mike" Bezos, whom Jacklyn married in 1968. Mike Bezos is an engineer who worked at Exxon and later at the Albuquerque Public Schools district. Bezos took his stepfather's surname and has publicly credited Mike Bezos as a central influence in his life. Forbes profile of Bezos parents.
Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen worked as a bank teller and later as a secretary while raising Bezos. Ted Jorgensen became a bicycle shop owner and remained largely out of public view after the divorce. Mike Bezos adopted Jeff when he was four years old. The family moved from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the Houston, Texas, area after the adoption. Bezos has described his parents as hardworking, practical, and supportive of his early interest in technology. Biography.com on Jeff Bezos's family background.
What Do Bezos's Parents Do Now?
Mike Bezos retired from his career in engineering and school administration. He and Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen live a private life outside the media spotlight. They have attended major family events, including Bezos's wedding to MacKenzie Scott in 2025. Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen has maintained a low public profile and is not involved in Amazon or any publicly traded company. Business Insider on Bezos parents' current lives.
Ted Jorgensen ran a bicycle shop in New Mexico after his divorce from Jacklyn. He died in 2015 at age 66. His obituaries noted his work as a cyclist and shop owner. The Bezos family has not disclosed details about any ongoing financial support from Jeff Bezos to his biological father or mother. Public records show that Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen and Mike Bezos have no formal role in Amazon, Blue Origin, or any Bezos-linked investment vehicles. Forbes on Bezos family finances.
How Did Bezos's Parents Influence His Career?
Mike Bezos encouraged Jeff's early interest in technology and space. The family ran a ranch in Cotulla, Texas, where Bezos spent part of his childhood. Bezos has said his stepfather taught him to fix things and think practically about engineering. Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen supported his education and moved with him during his school years. Bezos attended Princeton University and later worked on Wall Street before founding Amazon in 1994.
Bezos has publicly credited his parents for giving him stability and a strong work ethic. In interviews, he has described how his parents helped fund his early business ventures. Amazon's founding story often highlights the role of his supportive family environment. CNBC on Bezos's family influence.