The world was left stunned this morning after Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, one of the most influential figures in modern business, stepped before cameras in Miami with tears in his eyes to share deeply personal news. In an emotional statement, Bezos revealed that his beloved mother, Jacklyn “Jackie” Gise Bezos, had passed away following a prolonged and grueling struggle with chronic insomnia — a condition that, for years, had quietly taken a toll on her health.
Speaking in a trembling voice, Bezos described his mother as “the strongest and kindest person I have ever known,” recalling how she raised him as a teenage mother with limited resources, yet gave him unconditional love and the determination to pursue his dreams. “She fought through so much in her life,” Bezos said. “From raising me when the odds were against us, to building a family that always believed in kindness and resilience — my mother was my hero. Even in her last days, she smiled, laughed, and reminded us all to never give up.”
Reports indicate that Jackie had been battling severe insomnia for years, a struggle that had intensified in recent months. Friends close to the family revealed that her lack of rest had begun affecting her overall health, contributing to a gradual decline that no treatment seemed able to reverse. Although insomnia is often overlooked as a serious medical issue, experts point out that long-term sleep deprivation can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular problems, weakened immunity, and mental health deterioration.
Those who knew Jackie remember her as a fiercely private yet endlessly compassionate woman. She rarely appeared in public alongside her famous son, preferring to live quietly and dedicate her time to her family and charitable causes. Nonetheless, her influence on Bezos’s life and career was profound — she was there when he started his first ventures, encouraged him to take risks, and never doubted his ability to change the world.
As news of her passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across the globe. Former colleagues, family friends, and public figures offered condolences, many praising her role in shaping one of the most visionary entrepreneurs of our time. Amazon employees shared stories of how Bezos often spoke of his mother’s sacrifices, calling her his “guiding light” and the person who instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance.
Bezos concluded his announcement with a heartfelt message: “If there’s one thing my mom would want, it’s for us to cherish the people we love and to never take a single day for granted. She’s gone from this world, but her love will never fade.”
At this time, the Bezos family has requested privacy as they grieve and make arrangements. While funeral details have not yet been disclosed, it is expected that a private memorial will be held in Miami in the coming days. Jackie Gise Bezos may have left this world, but her legacy — one of strength, kindness, and unwavering belief in her son — will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.