Lauren Sánchez Was Never The Same After Meeting Jeff Bezos

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Long before Lauren Sánchez had a public relationship with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, she was an on-air personality with a determined spirit that saw her rise to become a popular host on "Extra" and "Good Day LA." The odds were stacked against Sánchez from the beginning, since she was raised by her grandmother, who struggled to make ends meet. "We came from nothing," Sánchez recalled in a chat with The Hollywood Reporter. "I used to sleep in the back of my grandmother's car when she would go clean houses, and I've been fortunate enough to have a career."

As a television host, Sánchez was a big player in the Hollywood scene, but not quite an A-list star just yet. Instead, she interviewed celebrities on the red carpet, crossed paths with influential politicians like former President Bill Clinton, and wowed audiences with her vibrant energy on "So You Think You Can Dance." On occasion, Sánchez attended industry events in the company of her then-husband, Patrick Whitesell, to whom she was married for 14 years.

Sánchez eventually learned how to fly and founded an aerial filming company named Black Ops Aviation, which reportedly became the link between her and Bezos. Only then did she become like the stars she used to interview. Sánchez has undoubtedly climbed up the social ladder, thanks to her relationship with the billionaire. From wrangles with family to vacations with other A-listers, here's how her life has changed since meeting Bezos.

Prior to becoming a couple, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's families reportedly belonged to the same social groups and closely interacted with one another. Sánchez and her ex-husband, Patrick Whitesell, owned a home close to Seattle, as did Bezos and his ex-wife, MacKenzie Scott. Bezos, Sánchez, and Whitesell were even photographed together at a "Manchester by the Sea" event at the Sánchez-Whitesell home in 2016, during which the Amazon founder supposedly made flirtatious moves toward Sánchez.

The relationship between Sánchez and Bezos reportedly took a different turn when Bezos hired Sánchez's company, Black Ops Aviation, to help with aerial coverage for his space company, Blue Origin. At the time, Sánchez's relationship with Whitesell had deteriorated, as an insider claimed in a chat with People. "Over the last two or three years, their marriage felt more like a business relationship," the little birdie whispered. "They both were doing their own thing. She would be out and about a lot and he was never with her."

Sánchez was influenced to become a pilot by her parents, both of whom were in the aviation industry, and long after the scandalous revelation of her relationship with Bezos came to pass (details on this next), history sort of repeated itself since Bezos, too, learned how to fly. The pair takes turns in the pilot's seat, even though Sánchez was more critical of Bezos' skills while in the air. As such, she eventually became a quiet passenger. "I've realized that when I'm in the back of the helicopter when he's flying, I just kind of have to look out the window, just kind of enjoy the scenery," Sánchez shared in a joint interview with CNN.

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos' worlds came crashing down when the National Enquirer exposed their alleged affair in January 2019. In a since-deleted article that detailed the couple's rendezvous, the publication claimed that Sánchez and Bezos had an eight-month relationship while they were still publicly loyal to their partners. In fact, Bezos and MacKenzie Scott celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary as the affair reportedly was ongoing.

Bezos and Sánchez allegedly exchanged flirtatious texts and NSFW pictures, hiding their relationship under the guise of working together. One of Bezos' texts to Sánchez reportedly read (via Page Six), "I love everything about you. I love that your last pic takes me completely out of my head. I am crazy about you. All of you. I need to smell and touch you. I want to hold you. I know you're right for me. I know we fit." As it turned out, Sánchez and Bezos weren't too good at hiding their relationship since Bezos' ex-wife, Scott, allegedly almost caught the couple after a jet ride.

The tabloid exposé was released a day after Bezos announced his divorce from Scott, and word on the street was that the public was only getting to know about the affair long after the couple's then-spouses had handled the situation. "Their families dealt with this in the fall," an informant told People. "The world is catching up to it, but it has had zero impact on their relationship. They've never been stronger."

Following the National Enquirer's explosive feature, Lauren Sánchez and Patrick Whitesell reportedly continued to live together, even though it was revealed that Patrick had been caught off guard by her affair with Jeff Bezos. "Patrick was totally blindsided. He had no idea how serious the affair was or how long it was going on for," a source told Us Weekly. "Patrick had no idea she was having an affair with Jeff."

Sánchez and Whitesell eventually filed for divorce months later, shortly after Bezos' divorce from MacKenzie Scott had been finalized. According to court documents, the couple was seeking shared custody of their children, Ella and Evan Whitesell. Sánchez and Patrick appeared to have completely parted ways with no chance of reconciliation, since the former anchor and Bezos made their first public appearance as a couple at the Wimbledon men's final in July 2019. Similarly, Patrick moved on with model Pia Miller, with whom he later married.

In October 2019, Sánchez and Whitesell finalized their divorce. As requested, the couple was granted joint custody of their children. Bezos and Sánchez have since learned to become great co-parents and have an ordinary life. When asked how their Saturday nights looked, Sánchez told CNN, "I would say normal. We have dinner with the kids. That's always fun and a great conversation. There's seven between us, so there's a lot of discussion. And then we watch a movie ... by committee. It takes a long time to find that movie."

When news of Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos' alleged affair broke, the latter took to Medium to accuse the National Enquirer's parent company, AMI, of extortion. Bezos further tied the leakage of his private data to political warfare, but his brother-in-law, Michael Sánchez, was also accused of joining forces with the media. Michael denied any involvement in the exposé, telling Vanity Fair, "I had nothing to do with leak of the d*** pics. That's the important thing. I never had access. It's clear they were sent to others."

In February 2020, Michael took Bezos to court alongside 11 other defendants, including Bezos' security lead, Gavin de Becker. Michael claimed that Bezos and his camp's accusations had severed some of his personal and professional relationships. In return, Bezos filed a motion in which he accused Michael of extortion and lying to the media that the leaked private pictures may have come from Lauren herself. In the end, Michael lost the defamation case against Bezos, and in place of an astounding $1.7 million the Amazon founder demanded in legal fees, he was awarded a reported $218,000.

Subsequently, the relationship between Michael and Lauren turned sour. Per a conversation Michael had with The Times in June 2025, he and Lauren had last seen each other physically in 2019. Michael, who is Lauren's older brother, also claimed that his sister had cut off all contact with him in 2020. Needless to say, Michael's name didn't appear on Lauren and Bezos' star-studded wedding guest list.

Jeff Bezos founded the Bezos Earth Fund in 2020. In an Instagram post announcing the start of the organization, Bezos shared that he had committed a staggering $10 billion to join the war against climate change. Naturally, Lauren Sánchez was appointed as the Bezos Earth Fund's vice chairperson, and although she wasn't vocal about climate change before, she has since committed to the organization's mission.

"We are focusing on several key issues, like restoring and protecting nature, advancing climate justice and supporting innovative climate solutions," Sánchez explained in a chat between herself and actor Eva Longoria for The Hollywood Reporter, also adding that they would do so by "funding scientific research to develop new technologies."

Over the years, the Bezos Earth Fund has lived up to its promise, just as Sánchez shared, gradually dishing out funds to deserving companies and facilities. In 2023, it made a $34 million investment that was awarded to institutions like Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the GHP Protocol, which helps with tracking climate change goals all over the world. Similarly, the organization set up a competitive approach to securing funding through its AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge, whose Phase 1 winners were announced by Sánchez in a May 2025 Instagram post.

Engagement stories are a key part of any romantic saga, and the tale of Lauren Sánchez's partnership with Jeff Bezos is no different. And, as one might expect, Sánchez's engagement to one of the richest men in the history of the world wasn't some run-of-the-mill affair. In May 2023, Bezos proposed to Sánchez while the pair were on a lavish vacation in the South of France. That weekend, they attended the premiere of the Martin Scorsese film "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the Cannes Film Festival and were enjoying their European getaway when Bezos popped the question aboard his $500-million superyacht, Koru.

Bezos hid the ring under Sánchez's pillow following a dinner under the stars. Sánchez later revealed that she found it after removing her makeup and heading to bed for the night. "When he opened the box, I think I blacked out a bit," she confessed when recalling the story to Vogue.

Meanwhile, expert jeweler Briony Raymond told People that the estimated 30-carat engagement work was estimated to cost upwards of $3 million and even up to $5 million depending on the stone's specifications. Sánchez and Bezos's engagement would later become the subject of gossip and rumors, but it nonetheless culminated in holy matrimony.

Lauren Sánchez had other celebrity friends prior to meeting Jeff Bezos — like actor Eva Longoria, whom she has known for more than two decades — but after the pair became a couple, they began hanging out more with singer Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom. In August 2023, the couples were pictured taking a walk in Dubrovnik, Croatia, soon after Sánchez and Bezos had thrown an engagement party in Italy.

When Sánchez turned 55 years old the following year, the couples were seen making merry at "Confessions" singer Usher's concert in Miami, Florida. Still, that wasn't the first time Perry and Bloom had joined the Bezoses in marking Sánchez's birthday, as they were also present at a dinner thrown by Bezos when Sánchez turned 50 years old in December 2019.

The quartet was also photographed together on an Italian vacation in August 2024. At the time, the couples were joined on Bezos' superyacht by Usher and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who was in the company of his girlfriend, model Vittoria Ceretti. Unfortunately, Perry and Bloom have since called it quits. In fact, Perry was a no-show during Sánchez and Bezos' Venice wedding, and newlywed Sánchez took to her Instagram comments section to let the singer know that her absence was felt. "We miss you Katy," Sánchez wrote (via CNN).

Even before she got with Jeff Bezos and had their alleged affair leaked to the National Enquirer, Lauren Sánchez was no stranger to attracting the attention of tabloid outlets and paparazzi. After all, Sánchez was a public figure herself, and one who had been involved in several high-profile romances previously, having paired off with the likes of NFL stars Tony Gonzalez and Anthony Miller, actor Henry Simmons, and, reportedly, former Los Angeles Lakers star Derek Fisher, in addition to her ex-husband.

So, it probably came as no surprise when, say, Page Six was reporting on her and Bezos's early PDA. However, the scrutiny she and Bezos continue to face, years later, is on a tier all its own.

When Bezos was snapped with an arm around the waist of one of Sánchez's friends at his then-fiancée's 55th birthday party in December 2024, video of the incident went viral, leading to questions about their relationship. Then, Sydney Sweeney's very presence at the pair's wedding and her business dealings with Bezos — a reported investor in her then-unreleased lingerie line – led to reports that Sánchez wasn't thrilled about his involvement, causing tension in their relationship. All the while, everything from the shoes on her feet to how Sánchez chooses to spend her money becomes blogosphere fodder.

Right from the jump, Lauren Sánchez's relationship with Jeff Bezos faced pressures that most people can't even comprehend due to the latter's incredible wealth and status as the founder of Amazon, as well as her own fame. The fact that the partnership was seemingly born from an extramarital affair only served to up the ante. Going beyond the public prying into their relationship, though, Sánchez herself has more eyeballs watching and assessing her as an individual, too.

From the company she keeps to the clothes she wears, Sánchez is constantly put in a position to defend her actions. "People like to put you in a box, and I don't fit in that box. I never have," she said of the online criticism at the 2024 Forbes Power Women's Summit (via Hola!). "As a journalist, as a pilot, as a mom, and even fiancée, people want me to dress or look or act a certain way. But I'm just being as authentic to me as I can be."

In the end, Sánchez believes the attention — both good and bad — is all part of the burden of being Mrs. Jeff Bezos. "It doesn't escape me that most of you know me as Lauren Sánchez, comma, Jeff Bezos' fiancée," she remarked at the Forbes event (via Business Insider). "I get it, but I can choose to do something, or I can choose to do nothing, and I'm choosing to do something."

While Lauren Sánchez didn't exactly make headlines for any vacations she may have gone to before meeting Jeff Bezos, her getaways suddenly became of interest to the paparazzi and press following the confirmation of their relationship. In June 2024, Sánchez and Bezos were spotted on a boat in Greece alongside former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez and his wife, October Gonzalez. Tony and Sánchez were once in a relationship and share a child, Nikko Gonzalez, who was born in 2001.

Sánchez and Bezos were pictured on yet another European getaway with friends in August 2024, during which she drew attention for her revealing fashion choice. Bezos wrapped his arms around Sánchez's shoulder on their way toward his superyacht named Koru, all while the latter looked splendid in a figure-hugging, sleeveless mini Chanel dress that left little to the imagination. Sánchez accessorized the chic outfit with a pair of sunglasses and a mini woven bag.

In May 2025, Sánchez and Bezos headed out to Monaco for the 2025 F1 Grand Prix after the Cannes Festival craze, and once again, Sánchez's love for busty outfits that are likely to leave her beau drooling came to play. The former anchor was seen in a long sheer black dress that accentuated her bosom, and it was much like a sheer animal print number she wore later on a trip to St. Tropez, France, that showed her underwear.

Lauren Sánchez has always used her words and inquisitive mind in a public-facing way as a journalist, commentator, and host. However, she decided to express herself through an entirely different medium, one more accessible to children. In 2024, she published her first-ever children's book, "The Fly Who Flew to Space," via The Collective Book Studio. The book debuted at No. 9 on the New York Times' best-seller list among children's picture books.

"Never in a million years did I think a dyslexic kid from Albuquerque would ever be an author," Sánchez told People at the time of the book's release. "The journey wasn't easy, but I'm really excited for people to meet Flynn the fly."

While the release of her book was a landmark moment in her personal journey, it also ignited a legal firestorm. As reported by Page Six shortly thereafter, Alanna Zabel — reportedly Sánchez's former yoga instructor — filed suit against Sánchez for allegedly stealing the idea for the book from her. In the complaint, Zabel claimed that they discussed a "specific" concept in 2022 about a "cat who flies to Mars" for a potential children's book to be titled, "Dharma Kitty Goes to Mars." In 2025, the lawsuit was quickly withdrawn and later refiled by Zabel.

President Donald Trump's January 2025 inauguration was a star-studded indoor affair that was watched by 24.6 million viewers and attended by top tech founders in America, including Jeff Bezos. Of course, Lauren Sánchez was present alongside Bezos at the event, and in true Sánchez fashion — no pun intended — she stole the show for her risqué outfit choice and also sparked plastic surgery rumors. Several internet sleuths critiqued Sánchez's appearance and accused her of having lip fillers. One such user wrote on X, "She's got some of the worst plastic surgery I've ever seen and she dresses like a w****."

Although Sánchez herself has never addressed any work done on her body, old pictures show that she looked so different before going under the knife. According to medical experts, Sánchez appears to have worked on her lips and nose and had a facelift. While there are plenty of celebrities who've had an extreme plastic surgery before and after, Sánchez is not there just yet, but according to New York medical practitioner Dr. Joel Kopelman, she should take it easy. In a past conversation with Nicki Swift, Kopelman said that Sánchez should consider "less invasive techniques or even non-surgical options initially to preserve her natural appearance."

Lauren Sánchez was joined by singer Katy Perry, television host Gayle King, and three other members on an all-female trip to space in April 2025. The flight, which took place in West Texas, was part of Jeff Bezos' company Blue Origin's venture into space tourism. For Sánchez, it was a heartfelt experience that influenced her life choices afterward, including what to wear on her wedding day.

"Seeing Earth from space, I came down and I couldn't describe it. It was the greatest experience I've ever had," Sánchez told Vogue of the 11-minute voyage. "It was literally one of the most profound experiences I've ever had in my life." After Sánchez landed from space, she was welcomed back to Earth by Bezos, who gave her a warm, loving hug. The former television host also received support from friends like the Kardashians, who awarded her with a one-of-a-kind $7,000 gift, a "UFO Orbiter" clutch by handbag designing brand Judith Leiber.

While Sánchez's trip was in many ways a happy and historic affair, it also attracted criticism from the public. Some observers felt that it was hypocritical for Sánchez to get on a spaceflight, all while promoting the fight against climate change. In response to the backlash received on social media, Sánchez told People, "I get really fired up. I would love to have them [critics] come to Blue Origin and see the thousands of employees that don't just work here but they put their heart and soul into this vehicle."

When Jeff Bezos was still married to his first wife, MacKenzie Scott, the couple vowed to use their fortune to improve the world around them. Now that Lauren Sánchez is officially Bezos' better half, the effort to use their billions for the betterment of society continues undaunted, just as it did before the A-list lovebirds decided to get hitched. In fact, Sánchez has taken an active role in identifying opportunities to partner with organizations and support causes where the Bezos family's money can truly make a difference.

In addition to her Bezos Earth Fund role, Sánchez is actively involved in the administration of the Bezos Day One Fund – a dual-pronged $2 billion commitment to help fund organizations that assist families experiencing homelessness and to build a network of tuition-free, full-day, Montessori-inspired preschools. Sánchez and Bezos have also come to the aid of those affected by natural disasters. In 2023, the couple pledged a whopping $100 million to assist the recovery efforts in Maui amid the wildfires exacerbated by Hurricane Dora's winds. "Jeff and I are heartbroken by what's happening in Maui," Sánchez wrote on Instagram at the time, via CNN. "We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated."

Two years after Jeff Bezos proposed to Lauren Sánchez during a European getaway, the couple had their nuptials in Venice, Italy. The Bezoses' wedding was a posh celebrity affair — even though there are stars who clearly don't like Bezos and Sánchez. The event featured attendances by the likes of media mogul Oprah Winfrey, the Kardashian-Jenner brood, and the couple's long-term friend, Leonardo DiCaprio.

Sánchez's big day was in every way a fashion affair. The bride previously told Elle that she was focused on "expressing my true, authentic self through fashion," and that was evident on her wedding day. The former news anchor looked stunning in a custom lacy neck-high Dolce & Gabbana gown that was influenced by Sophia Loren's character, Cinzia Zaccardi, in the Melville Shavelson-directed film, "Houseboat." Sánchez took to Instagram to gush over the masterpiece, writing, "Not just a gown, a piece of poetry. Thank you @dolcegabbana for the magic you made."

Sánchez's guests didn't disappoint either when it comes to fashion. On one hand, model Kendall Jenner showed up in a black Tom Ford number, which she accessorized with sunglasses and a set of matching emerald jewelry, and on the other, her sister, Kylie Jenner, was dressed in a revealing corset-like Dilara Findikoglu dress that accentuated her hourglass physique. Overall, the three-day affair that saw Sánchez turning heads in several unique outfits, including a single-shoulder striped Alexander McQueen number, was said to have set the bride back a cool $6 million in wardrobe changes alone.

If one sets out to have a fairytale wedding, the next logical step in the plan, once the I do's are exchanged, should probably be to have a honeymoon for the ages. That's exactly what Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos did after exchanging their vows in Venice.

In the wake of the couple's $50-million-dollar wedding, Sánchez and Bezos' next stop was the island of Sicily and Taormina's San Domenico Palace. That's the same iconic hotel featured in the 2nd season of Mike White's HBO series, "The White Lotus," which ironically satirizes the ultra-rich. Rooms at the San Domenico Palace reportedly cost as much as $8,000 per night.

From there, the couple embarked on an extended honeymoon tour of Europe, traveling on Bezos' superyacht, Koru, and cruising through Sicily and Croatia. They were also spotted in places like Monaco, Portafino, and Saint-Tropez. At one point during their honeymoon, Sánchez and Bezos even jetted back to Sun Valley, Idaho, before returning to the South of France.