News Corp. confirmed on Sunday that right-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch had married for the fifth time. The 93-year-old Australian billionaire married 67-year-old retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova in a ceremony held at his vineyard estate in Bel-Air, California. News Corp. released pictures of the newlyweds, who were beaming on their special day.
A Love Story Blossoms
Rupert Murdoch and Elena Zhukova began dating last summer. Their relationship progressed quickly, with the couple announcing their engagement in March of this year. Zhukova, originally from Russia, has a distinguished background as a molecular biologist, having studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She focused her research on diabetes throughout her career.
Family Ties and Connections
Elena Zhukova is the mother of Dasha Zhukova, a well-known Russian American art collector. Dasha was previously married to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the former owner of Premier League soccer club Chelsea. Abramovich became one of the early targets of Western sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Murdoch, with a net worth of $9.77 billion according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index, has had a storied career in media. He recently stepped down as chairman of both Fox Corporation and News Corp, passing the reins to his son, Lachlan Murdoch. Despite stepping down, Rupert Murdoch continues to hold the title of chairman emeritus at both organizations and maintains an active role.
Previous Marriages
Rupert Murdoch has been married four times prior to his marriage to Elena Zhukova. His most recent marriage was to former supermodel Jerry Hall, which ended in divorce in 2022. Earlier in 2023, Murdoch was briefly engaged to Ann Lesley Smith, a retired dental hygienist, but the engagement was called off after two weeks.
His first three marriages were to Patricia Booker, Anna Murdoch Mann, and Wendi Murdoch. Murdoch’s marriage to Wendi Murdoch, a Chinese-American businesswoman, and film producer, ended in 2013.
A Legacy in Media
Murdoch’s journey in the media industry began in 1952, when he inherited a newspaper in Australia from his father. Over the decades, he expanded his media empire to include prominent newspapers such as The Times of London and The Wall Street Journal. His establishment of Fox News Channel in 1996 marked a significant influence on television news, particularly among conservative audiences in the United States.
A New Chapter
As Rupert Murdoch embarks on this new chapter with Elena Zhukova, his legacy in media and his personal life continue to capture public interest. The vineyard wedding in Bel-Air stands as a testament to his enduring influence and the personal happiness he has found once again.
The information is taken from CBS News and NBC News
