Larry Ellison, the Oracle co-founder, divorces his first wife, Barbara Boothe, in 1986 shortly after their daughter is born. Reports say Boothe files for divorce about three months after Megan Ellison’s January 1986 birth, ending a marriage that began in 1983. Sources describe the timing as difficult for Ellison, who is also dealing with Oracle’s early growth and a young family.
Both outlets discuss Ellison’s later characterization of the split as one he wants to handle in a way that preserves a close relationship with Boothe. Free Press Journal attributes this to remarks included in Matthew Symonds’ 2003 book about Ellison, while also noting Ellison’s stated focus on keeping things friendly for the children. Times of India similarly emphasizes that Boothe remains a primary caregiver after the divorce.
After the separation, both accounts credit Boothe with raising their children, with attention on an early interest in cinema. They also link that upbringing to the children’s later film-industry careers: David Ellison founds Skydance Media, and Megan Ellison co-founds Annapurna Pictures, with multiple major-film credits and Academy Award nominations cited.
