On a snowy Christmas Eve in Boulder, Colorado, Elon Musk realized he had forgotten to purchase a gift for his then-wife, Talulah Riley. Despite the pressures of managing Tesla, SpaceX, and SolarCity, Musk ventured outside barefoot, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, to find a last-minute present for Riley.
In a 2022 interview with the BBC, Riley recounted this memorable night, emphasizing Musk's affection despite his overwhelming workload. She mentioned that many couples overlook Christmas gifts, but Musk's determination to express his love was evident as he braved subzero temperatures.
Dramatically, Riley recalled Musk's words during that moment: “It’s not that I don’t love you—I do really, really love you. It’s just that my brain is exploding.” This anecdote highlights not only Musk's dedication to his family but also the challenges he faced while juggling multiple high-stakes ventures.