Rupert Murdoch, the 92-year-old media mogul, is engaged for the sixth time, this time to 67-year-old retired scientist Elena Zhukova. Set to marry in June, Murdoch’s fiancée is a distinguished molecular biologist with a significant career in medical research, particularly focusing on diabetes at UCLA. She is also the mother of Dasha Zhukova, a Russian socialite who was previously married to Roman Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea FC.
How Did Rupert Murdoch and Elena Zhukova Meet?
Murdoch and Zhukova’s paths crossed through his third wife, Wendi Deng. The couple started dating in August of last year, and their relationship quickly developed. Their engagement comes at a significant time for Murdoch, as it is just nine months after he stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp, passing leadership to his son Lachlan.
What is Rupert Murdoch’s Marital History?
Murdoch has been married four times before. His first marriage was to Patricia Booker, an Australian flight attendant, in 1956. The couple welcomed their daughter, Prudence, in 1958 but divorced in 1967. Booker later remarried Freddie Maeder and passed away in 1998.
Who Was Anna Maria Torv in Murdoch’s Life?
In 1967, the same year he divorced Booker, Murdoch married Anna Maria Torv, a Scottish-born journalist. Their marriage lasted 32 years, ending in 1999. The couple had three children: Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James, all of whom have been involved in News Corp. Reflecting on their divorce, Torv said, “I began to think the Rupert Murdoch that I loved died a long time ago. Perhaps I was in love with the idea of still being in love with him.”
What Happened with Wendi Deng?
Murdoch’s third marriage was to Wendi Deng in 1999, just weeks after his divorce from Torv. Deng, an entrepreneur and movie producer, was 30 at the time. They met at Star TV in Hong Kong in 1997. The couple has two daughters, Grace and Chloe, and their marriage lasted until 2013. Deng now resides in Southampton, New York.
How Did Jerry Hall Enter Murdoch’s Life?
In 2016, Murdoch married former model and actress Jerry Hall. They were introduced by one of Murdoch’s sisters and his niece in Australia. Their marriage ended in August 2022 after six years, and they did not have children together. Hall was previously in a long-term relationship with Mick Jagger, with whom she has four children.
Who is Elena Zhukova?
Elena Zhukova is a distinguished molecular biologist who has focused her research on diabetes. She worked at renowned institutions like UCLA. Zhukova moved to the United States from Moscow towards the end of the Soviet Union with her then-husband, Alexander Zhukov, a billionaire energy investor. Their daughter, Dasha Zhukova, was married to Roman Abramovich until their divorce in 2017.
What is Murdoch’s Legacy in Media?
Murdoch’s career began in the 1950s in Australia. He expanded his media empire by purchasing the News of the World and the Sun newspapers in the UK in 1969. Murdoch later acquired several US publications, including the New York Post and the Wall Street Journal. In 1996, he launched Fox News, which has become the most-watched TV news channel in the US. Even after stepping down from his roles at Fox Corp and News Corp, Murdoch remains the chairman emeritus of both companies.
How Will the Engagement Affect Murdoch’s Business?
Murdoch’s latest engagement is not expected to affect his business affairs significantly. Fox Corp and News Corp are controlled by a family trust, with shares belonging to Murdoch and his four eldest children: Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James. This structure ensures continuity and stability in the ownership and management of the media empire.
What Does the Future Hold for Murdoch?
As Rupert Murdoch prepares for his sixth marriage, the media world watches with interest. His relationship with Elena Zhukova marks a new chapter in his life, bringing together two influential individuals from different backgrounds. Murdoch’s legacy in the media industry remains strong, with his son Lachlan now at the helm. The upcoming marriage to Zhukova adds another intriguing chapter to his remarkable life. As he steps back from daily operations, Murdoch’s influence and impact on global media remain undeniable.
What Lies Ahead for Rupert Murdoch?
Murdoch has assured his employees that his engagement will not change his involvement in news and ideas, albeit in different roles. He emphasized that the talented teams and principled leadership of Lachlan will continue to drive the company forward. This new personal chapter for Murdoch coincides with his strategic shift in professional focus, ensuring that his legacy endures while embracing new beginnings.
The story of Rupert Murdoch continues to captivate and inspire, reflecting his resilience and ambition. His engagement to Elena Zhukova represents a new phase in his life, while his impact on the media landscape remains profound.