Photo Credit: AP
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, known for his influential presence in the media landscape, has tied the knot once again, marking his fifth marriage. The news was reported by the British tabloid newspaper the Sun, which is owned by Murdoch himself.
The ceremony, held at Murdoch's vineyard in Bel-Air, California, was attended by close friends and family. The Sun released photos of the 93-year-old Australian billionaire alongside his new bride, 67-year-old retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova.
Zhukova, notable as the mother of Russian American art collector Dasha Zhukova, was previously married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. Murdoch's extensive career in media has seen him at the helm of influential companies like Fox Corporation and News Corp, which own prominent outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and Fox News. In November 2023, Murdoch
announced his decision to step down as chairman of both organizations, passing the torch to his son Lachlan.Despite this, he affirmed his intention to maintain an "active role" in News Corp, serving as chairman emeritus.
The romance between Murdoch and Zhukova reportedly began last summer, with the couple announcing their engagement in March. This marks Murdoch's latest venture into marriage, following his divorce from former supermodel Jerry Hall in 2022. Prior to Zhukova, Murdoch had also proposed to Ann Lesley Smith in March 2023, though the engagement was short-lived, being called off just two weeks later.
Murdoch's personal life has often attracted public attention, paralleling his influence in the media industry. His latest marriage comes amidst a period of transition for his media empire, as he hands over leadership responsibilities to the next generation. With a net worth of $9.77 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index, Murdoch remains a significant figure in both media and business circles. His continued involvement in News Corp ensures that his influence will persist, even as he embarks on this new chapter of his personal life.
As Murdoch and Zhukova begin this journey together, the world watches with interest, anticipating the impact of this union on both Murdoch's personal legacy and the media landscape he has long shaped.
