Within a year of canceling his previous wedding, 90-year-old billionaire Rupert Murdoch proposed to another partner, just months into their relationship.
It was informed by Murdoch’s media representative on Friday, just days before the billionaire’s 93rd birthday next Monday.
This marks Murdoch’s second engagement within a year. Last March, the media mogul announced his intention to marry Ann Lesley Smith, a former dental hygienist and conservative radio host. However, the wedding was canceled weeks later.
This time, Murdoch is set to marry Elena Zhukova, a 67-year-old retired molecular biologist, as reported, first broke the news of their upcoming wedding. Murdoch and Zhukova reportedly began dating in the summer and are planning to tie the knot at Moraga Bel Air, Murdoch’s lavish vineyard and estate in California.
Recent images of the couple together have been featured in various news outlets. Zhukova is the mother of Russian American art collector Dasha Zhukova, who was previously married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
Murdoch currently holds the #280 spot on Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index, boasting a net worth of $9 billion.
In November of last year, Murdoch relinquished his role as chairman of News Corporation, the print publishing division of his media conglomerate, entrusting control of the business to his eldest son, Lachlan.
At that time, Murdoch stated his intention to maintain an “active role” within the company, assuming the title of chairman emeritus of Fox Corporation, the parent company of Fox News and other broadcasting assets.
Previously, Murdoch was married to former flight attendant Patricia Booker, journalist Anna Murdoch, and entrepreneur Wendi Deng, who reportedly introduced him to Zhukova.
His fourth marriage was to former model Jerry Hall in 2016, but their divorce was finalized in August 2022.
The reason behind Murdoch’s last engagement being called off remains unclear. Regarding his proposal to Smith, Murdoch expressed nervousness, stating,
“I dreaded falling in love – but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I’m happy.”
Murdoch’s office did not respond to inquiries about the timing and location of his upcoming wedding.