Rupert Murdoch Announces Shocking Life Update At 92

Rupert Murdoch, the 92-year-old media tycoon known for his right-leaning views, is engaged for the sixth time, according to individuals close to the situation who spoke with ABC News.

The announcement of his engagement to Elena Zhukova follows shortly after Murdoch, the figurehead of Fox, transitioned leadership of his conservative media holdings to his son, Lachlan Murdoch. The couple plans to exchange vows in June at Murdoch’s California estate and vineyard, known as Moraga.

Zhukova, 67, a retired molecular biologist, began dating Murdoch in the summer. According to The Daily Mail, which first reported on the relationship in August, he was introduced to Zhukova by his third wife, Wendi Deng.

via New York Times

Zhukova has made her mark as a molecular biologist with a focus on diabetes research, notably at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her background is equally fascinating.

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Originally from Moscow, she moved to the United States towards the collapse of the Soviet Union. Her former husband, Alexander Zhukov, went on to become a billionaire energy investor and now lives in London as a British citizen.

Murdoch has a long history of engagements prior to his reported union with Elena Zhukova:

1. Patricia Booker (1956-1967): Murdoch’s first wife was a flight attendant from Australia. They had one child together before divorcing.
2. Anna Maria Torv (1967-1999): A journalist from Scotland, Anna Maria Torv was Murdoch’s second wife. During their 32-year marriage, they had three children. Their divorce was one of the most expensive in history at the time.
3. Wendi Deng (1999-2013): Shortly after divorcing Torv, Murdoch married Wendi Deng, a businesswoman from China. They had two daughters together. Their marriage ended in 2013.
4. Jerry Hall (2016-2022): Murdoch’s fourth marriage was to model and actress Jerry Hall. They married in 2016 and announced their separation in 2022.
5. Ann Lesley Smith (called off 2023).

Murdoch’s family has also been closely involved in the business, with his children playing significant roles within his companies. His succession plans and the dynamics within his family have been subjects of public interest and speculation, reflecting the intertwining of his personal life with his media empire.

However, Murdoch’s matrimonial changes are not expected to impact the direction of the company, as it is predominantly governed by a family trust. This trust holds shares owned by Murdoch and his four oldest children. Last year, Murdoch declared his retirement from the helm of his enterprises, transitioning to an emeritus position, while his son Lachlan assumed greater leadership responsibilities.

Murdoch’s News Corporation split into two companies in 2013: 21st Century Fox, focusing on entertainment and television, and News Corp, concentrating on publishing and newspapers. The restructuring followed a phone-hacking scandal that led to the closure of the News of the World newspaper.

In addition to his vast newspaper holdings, Murdoch has been influential in satellite television, founding Sky Television in the UK, which later became part of the larger Sky Group before being acquired by Comcast. Fox News, launched in 1996, has had a profound impact on American television.

Throughout his career, he has been both praised for his contributions to media innovation and diversity and criticized for his outlets’ political influence, business tactics, and the ethical controversies surrounding his publications.