Rupert Murdoch, the billionaire media tycoon, tied the knot once again, this time with retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova. The 92-year-old business magnate and his 67-year-old bride celebrated their wedding on Saturday at his California estate and vineyard, Moraga. Their marriage marks Murdoch’s fifth trip down the aisle, adding another chapter to his eventful personal and professional life.
A Star-Studded Wedding at Moraga Estate
The exclusive wedding ceremony took place at Murdoch’s picturesque vineyard in Los Angeles, attended by a distinguished guest list. Among the notable attendees were New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, 82, and his wife Dana Blumberg, 50. The couple exuded happiness in the official wedding photographs, with Murdoch donning a classic black suit paired with a yellow tie, while Zhukova wore an elegant off-the-shoulder white gown, clutching a bouquet of lilies of the valley.
Murdoch’s personal life has often been under the spotlight, partly due to his influential position in global media. His past marriages and relationships have frequently made headlines, and this wedding was no exception.
A Roller-Coaster Romantic History
Murdoch’s journey through marriage has been as eventful as his business career. His first wife, Patricia Booker, was an Australian flight attendant. The two were together until their divorce in the late 1960s. His second marriage to journalist Anna Torv lasted over three decades before ending in 1999. His third marriage was to Wendi Deng, a businesswoman and media executive, which concluded in 2013. His most recent marriage before Zhukova was to model and actress Jerry Hall, previously the longtime partner of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. Murdoch and Hall divorced in 2022.
In 2023, Murdoch announced his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith, a dental hygienist-turned-conservative radio host, but called off the nuptials less than a month later. His quick engagement and subsequent breakup added more intrigue to his already eventful love life.
Who is Elena Zhukova?
Elena Zhukova, Murdoch’s new wife, is a retired molecular biologist who emigrated from Russia to the United States. She is the mother of Dasha Zhukova, an art patron and entrepreneur, who was previously married to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Unlike Murdoch’s previous wives, Zhukova has largely remained out of the media limelight until now.
The Murdoch Family Empire and Net Worth
Murdoch, born in 1931 in Melbourne, Australia, has built one of the most powerful media empires in history. As the founder of News Corporation and later its successor companies, including Fox Corporation and News Corp, he has been at the forefront of the global media industry for decades.
His influence extends across multiple continents, with control over influential outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The Times of London, The New York Post, The Sun, and Fox News. His ability to shape public discourse has made him both a revered and controversial figure in media and politics.
According to Forbes, Rupert Murdoch and his family have a net worth of approximately $20 billion. This vast fortune comes from his vast media holdings and strategic business moves over the years. Despite stepping down as the head of his empire in 2023, Murdoch continues to hold significant influence. In November, he formally transferred control of his companies to his eldest son, Lachlan Murdoch, while assuming an emeritus role.
Murdoch’s Retirement and Legacy
After decades of dominating the media industry, Murdoch’s decision to step back marks the end of an era. His eldest son, Lachlan, now leads the family business, taking charge of Fox Corporation and News Corp. While Murdoch no longer holds an executive role, his influence remains deeply ingrained in the operations of the companies he built.
Throughout his career, Murdoch has shaped modern journalism, pioneering aggressive news reporting styles, acquiring major media brands, and influencing global politics. His legacy is both admired and criticized, with supporters praising his business acumen and detractors blaming him for fostering divisive media narratives.
The Future for Murdoch and Zhukova
With his latest marriage, Murdoch embarks on a new chapter in his personal life. Despite his age, he remains an active figure in media and business discussions. His new wife, Elena Zhukova, is expected to maintain a private life, unlike his previous high-profile partners.
As the Murdoch media empire transitions to a new generation, the world will continue to watch how his influence unfolds in the coming years. For now, his latest marriage adds another fascinating layer to his already extraordinary life story.
