After six years of dating, the relationship between 61-year-old billionaire Jeff Bezos and 56-year-old former broadcaster Lauren Sanchez culminated in a lavish wedding celebration in Venice, Italy, from 26/6 to 28/6. Public attention focused on Sanchez – a previously married, single mother who captured the heart of the world's fourth-richest man.

Many news outlets suggest Bezos experienced a "rebirth" after falling for Sanchez. Previously known for his low-key style, primarily appearing at business forums or product launches, Bezos has adopted a more youthful image in recent years, showcasing an improved physique and a more stylish wardrobe.

Sanchez, however, has remained authentic, exuding an infectious energy. Bezos reportedly called her his "vibrant girl" in text messages, according to The Cut.

Lauren Sanchez wears a crystal-embellished Versace gown at her wedding reception on 28/6. Photo: Nicolas Gerardin

Lauren Sanchez wears a crystal-embellished Versace gown at her wedding reception on 28/6. Photo: Nicolas Gerardin

Before marrying Bezos, Sanchez enjoyed a successful career. Prominent in the media, she also ran an aerial film production company, piloted helicopters, and achieved considerable success. However, her fame was primarily confined to the US. The Times suggests her relationship with Bezos propelled her beyond Los Angeles, her former home and workplace.

Born in 1969 in New Mexico, Sanchez is a third-generation Mexican-American. Her father was a flight instructor, and her mother a former assistant to the Los Angeles deputy mayor. After her parents divorced when she was seven, young Wendy lived with her mother but was primarily raised by her grandmother, a house cleaner and restaurant manager. In a 2024 People interview, Sanchez recalled her grandmother teaching her the value of cleaning, emphasizing its positive impact on others' lives. "That’s how my grandmother viewed life. It inspired me," Sanchez said.

Lauren Sanchez, 33, attends the Glamour Emmy party in California in 2002. Photo: WireImage

Lauren Sanchez, 33, attends the Glamour Emmy party in California in 2002. Photo: WireImage

Ambitious and driven, Sanchez has consistently strived for success. During the launch of her first children's book in 2024, she revealed her struggles with dyslexia during high school, which undermined her self-confidence. In college, a professor identified her learning disability after reading one of her articles. Sanchez persevered, improving her reading skills and earning a communications scholarship to the University of Southern California. However, she left before graduating. At 25, she landed her first job as a reporter at KVTK, a local Phoenix station.

Phil Alvidrez, KVTK's news director at the time, described Sanchez to The Times as fearless, tackling everything from fires to sporting events. By the late 1990s, she was a familiar face on Fox Sports News, winning an Emmy for the 1999 program "Going Deep."

Sanchez gained further recognition hosting "Good Day LA" from 2003 to 2009 and as a special entertainment correspondent for "Extra." In 2003, she appeared on the cover of Open Your Eyes magazine, dubbed "America's Hottest News Anchor." She also had roles in films like "Fight Club" (1999), "The Day After Tomorrow" (2004), and "Fantastic Four" (2005), often playing news reporters.

Former colleagues, partners, and friends praise her charm, charisma, and communication skills. Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey, former executive director of "Extra," noted Sanchez often interviewed prominent men, skillfully navigating conversations, like her 2010 interview with former President Bill Clinton.

Lauren Sanchez interviews former President Bill Clinton about his health in 2010 after his heart surgery. The video currently has over 200,000 views on YouTube. Video: Extra

Inspired by her father, Sanchez developed a passion for flying at a young age. In 2016, after obtaining her helicopter pilot's license, she founded Black Ops Aviation, an aerial film production company, becoming the first woman to own such a studio. She also served as a consultant on Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" (2017) and "Miss Bala" (2019).

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2017, Sanchez explained her decision to start the company: "I had a career, I had a job, but I heard the calling. I loved entertainment, and I loved film, so I combined the two." In early 2024, she was honored at the Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards for her contributions to the industry.

In a 2023 interview with the WSJ, Sanchez shared that their shared love of flying strengthened her bond with Bezos, often piloting helicopters together in their free time. In April, she joined an all-female crew on a suborbital flight with Blue Origin, Bezos's aerospace company.

The crew experiences zero gravity on the New Shepard, showcasing the items they brought on board. Video: Blue Origin

In 5/2019, Sanchez and Bezos publicly announced their relationship after navigating controversy surrounding Bezos's 25-year marriage to author MacKenzie Scott. Since then, the couple has traveled extensively and engaged in philanthropy. In 2020, Bezos established the Bezos Earth Fund, pledging $10 billion to environmental initiatives by 2030. Sanchez currently serves as the fund's executive vice president.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding ceremony on 27/6. Photo: Instagram Lauren Sanchez

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding ceremony on 27/6. Photo: Instagram Lauren Sanchez

In 2023, the couple got engaged on the yacht Koru off the Amalfi Coast in Italy. According to L'Officiel USA, Bezos proposed with a 20-carat diamond ring worth $2.5 million USD. While the wedding's cost remains undisclosed, Luca Zaia, governor of the Veneto region encompassing Venice, suggested it could exceed $55 million USD, per Reuters.

Phuong Thao (adapted from The Cut, CNN, The Times)