Los Angeles, California – Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch has announced his engagement to Elena Zhukova, a retired scientist, marking his sixth engagement. The 92-year-old Murdoch is set to tie the knot with the 67-year-old molecular biologist in a ceremony planned to take place at his California vineyard and estate, Moraga.
The news of Murdoch’s upcoming wedding comes after reports surfaced last April of his relationship with Zhukova, just four months after he called off his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith, a conservative radio host. The couple reportedly met through a family event hosted by Murdoch’s ex-wife, Wendi Deng.
Zhukova, who is the daughter of Roman Abramovich, a Russian oligarch and former owner of Chelsea Football Club, has a background in molecular diabetes research and previously worked at the University of California, Los Angeles. Murdoch’s previous marriage was to supermodel Jerry Hall, which ended in divorce in 2022.
The upcoming nuptials follow a challenging year for Murdoch’s media empire, including a significant legal settlement between Fox News and Dominion, a voting equipment company. The $787.5 million settlement resolved a defamation lawsuit related to false allegations made by the network regarding the 2020 US election.
As the founder of News Corp, Murdoch has built an extensive media portfolio that encompasses various digital news outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and HarperCollins. Despite stepping down from his leadership role in the company, Murdoch continues to hold a prominent position in the media landscape, with a reported net worth of $8.96 billion.
The wedding ceremony, scheduled for this summer at Moraga, is expected to draw attention not only for Murdoch’s storied personal life but also for the ongoing developments within his media empire. With a new chapter about to unfold for Rupert Murdoch, the world will be watching as he takes another significant step in both his personal and professional life.