In a picturesque setting at his Californian vineyard, media titan Rupert Murdoch, aged 93, exchanged vows on Sunday with his fifth spouse, Elena Zhukova, 67, a retired Russian biologist. The intimate ceremony marks another chapter in the eventful personal life of the Australian-born mogul, whose name is synonymous with global media influence.
Speculations about Murdoch’s romantic involvement with Zhukova emerged shortly after his engagement to former police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith was unexpectedly called off in April 2023. The swift transition from one relationship to another has piqued public interest, shining a spotlight on Murdoch’s personal affairs alongside his professional achievements.
Murdoch, the chairman emeritus of News Corporation, boasts an illustrious career that includes stewardship of media behemoths such as Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, the Sun, and the Times. With six children from previous marriages, Murdoch’s familial dynamics add layers of intrigue to his public persona, shaping perceptions of both his private and professional life.
In 2022, Murdoch ended his marriage to his fourth wife, 67-year-old actress and model Jerry Hall. Hall was reportedly anticipating Murdoch’s arrival at their Oxfordshire residence when she received an email from him, purportedly stating, “Jerry, sadly I’ve decided to call an end to our marriage … We have certainly had some good times, but I have much to do. My New York lawyer will be contacting yours immediately.”
Rupert Murdoch embarked on his career journey in Australia during the 1950s. By 1969, he expanded his media empire by acquiring the News of the World and the Sun newspapers in the UK. His reach extended further with the acquisition of several US publications, including the New York Post and the Wall Street Journal. In a significant move in 1996, he launched Fox News, which has since become the leading TV news channel in the US.
Under the umbrella of News Corp, established in 2013, Murdoch retains ownership of a vast array of local, national, and international media outlets. Despite his remarkable success, his career has been marred by controversy. One of the most infamous incidents was the UK phone-hacking scandal, triggered by revelations that the News of the World had accessed the voicemails of the murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.
Having stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp last year, Murdoch has passed the reins to his son Lachlan Murdoch, who now heads both companies. The transition of leadership within the Murdoch dynasty underscores the enduring legacy of a media empire built on innovation, resilience, and strategic vision. Forbes estimates Murdoch’s net worth to be around $19.5 billion.
