Rupert Murdoch, Nonagenarian Billionaire, Announces Engagement to Elena Zhukova
In a surprising turn of events, nonagenarian billionaire Rupert Murdoch has announced his engagement to Elena Zhukova, just months after they began dating. The news was confirmed by Murdoch’s media representative to CNN, just days before the media mogul’s 93rd birthday. This marks the second engagement for Murdoch within a year, as he had previously planned to marry Ann Lesley Smith, a former dental hygienist and conservative radio host. However, their wedding was called off shortly after the announcement.
This time, Murdoch is set to tie the knot with Elena Zhukova, a 67-year-old retired molecular biologist. The impending nuptials were first reported by The New York Times. Murdoch and Zhukova reportedly started dating in the summer and have decided to exchange vows at Moraga Bel Air, Murdoch’s luxurious vineyard and estate located in California.
Images of the couple together have been circulating on news sites in recent months. Zhukova is the mother of Russian American art collector Dasha Zhukova, who was previously married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. The relationship between Murdoch and Zhukova seems to have blossomed, leading them to take this significant step towards marriage.
Murdoch, with a net worth of $9 billion, was recently ranked #280 on Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index. He stepped down as chairman of News Corporation, the print publishing arm of his media empire, last November. His eldest son, Lachlan, has taken over the reins of the business. However, Murdoch still maintains an “active role” in the company as chairman emeritus of Fox Corporation, the parent company of Fox News and other broadcasting assets.
This will be Murdoch’s fifth marriage. He was previously married to Patricia Booker, Anna Murdoch, and Wendi Deng. It was Deng who reportedly introduced him to his current fiancée, Elena Zhukova. Murdoch’s fourth marriage was to former model Jerry Hall in 2016, but they finalized their divorce in August 2022.
The reasons behind Murdoch’s last engagement being called off remain unclear. However, at the time, he expressed his nervousness about falling in love again, stating, “I dreaded falling in love – but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I’m happy.” Despite the lack of details regarding the timing and location of the upcoming wedding, it is evident that Murdoch is ready to embark on another chapter of his life with Zhukova.
As the nonagenarian billionaire continues to make headlines with his personal life, it remains to be seen what other surprises he has in store for us. With his vast wealth and influence, Rupert Murdoch has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the media landscape. As he celebrates his 93rd birthday and prepares for his impending marriage, the world watches with curiosity and anticipation for what lies ahead for this iconic figure.