In the bustling metropolis of New York, the venerable tycoon Rupert Murdoch finds himself entwined in the bonds of matrimony once again, this time with the company of a retired molecular biologist named Elena Zhukova. At the age of 92, Murdoch is poised to exchange vows with the 62-year-old Zhukova on the 1st of June, amidst the picturesque backdrop of his California vineyard and estate, Moraga, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Rumors suggest that Murdoch’s connection with Zhukova blossomed in the warmth of summer, their paths crossing through his third spouse, Wendi Deng. Zhukova, renowned as a molecular biologist who dedicated her intellect to unraveling the complexities of diabetes, pursued her studies at the esteemed University of California, Los Angeles.
The New York Times broke the news of this newfound engagement, marking almost a year since Murdoch’s prior commitment to Ann Lesley Smith, a retired dental hygienist, crumbled just weeks after its announcement in the spring of 2023. This forthcoming June union would signify Murdoch’s fifth venture into the realm of marital bliss, following his previous union with model Jerry Hall from 2016 to 2022.
His inaugural marriage to Patricia Booker in 1956 concluded in a divorce eleven years hence, bearing a solitary offspring. Subsequently, in 1967, Murdoch united with Anna Maria Torv, resulting in the birth of three progeny. After a span of 32 years, the couple chose separate paths in 1999. Murdoch’s third matrimonial alliance with Deng in 1999 concluded in divorce in 2013, producing two offspring.
Zhukova, hailing from Moscow, traversed continents to the United States and was once wedded to the affluent energy magnate Alexander Zhukov.
The preceding year witnessed Murdoch’s revelation of relinquishing the helm of his media empire, Fox Corp. and News Corp. His role shifted to that of chairman emeritus, with his son Lachlan Murdoch ascending to the zenith of leadership in both enterprises.
In a missive addressed to his workforce in September, Murdoch articulated, “For my entire professional life, I have been engaged daily with news and ideas, and that will not change. But the time is right for me to take on different roles, knowing that we have truly talented teams and a passionate, principled leader in Lachlan who will become sole chairman of both companies,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
