- Rupert Murdoch, 92, to marry Elena Zhukova, 67, marking his sixth engagement.
- Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist, has roots in Moscow and moved to the US in 1991.
- The couple met through Murdoch’s ex-wife, Wendi Deng, and plan a June wedding at Murdoch’s Californian estate.
- Zhukova’s previous marriage was to Russian oil billionaire Alexander Zhukov; they have a daughter, Dasha Zhukova, 42.
- Murdoch, with a history of marriages, handed over News Corp leadership to his son Lachlan last year amid health concerns.
Rupert Murdoch, 92, Gets Engaged to Elena Zhukova:
Rupert Murdoch, 92, the famed media billionaire, has announced his engagement to Elena Zhukova, 67, a retired molecular biologist. It’s Murdoch’s sixth engagement, and the ceremony planned for June at Moraga, his Southern vineyard and residence.
Who is Elena Zhukova?
1.Scientific Background: While at the University of California, Los Angeles, Elena Zhukova focused on diabetes research.
2.Russian Roots: Originally from Moscow, Zhukova moved to the United States in 1991, during the Soviet Union’s final years.
3.Murdoch Connection: Zhukova and Murdoch met during a family event organised by Murdoch’s third ex-wife, Wendi Deng, who married Murdoch for 14 years before their divorce in 2013.
4.Marital History: Before her connection with Murdoch, Zhukova was married twice, most notably to Russian oil billionaire Alexander Zhukov. They have a 42-year-old daughter named Dasha Zhukova. Zhukova characterises her family background as typical of Moscow’s intelligentsia, emphasising her connections to the city’s cultural and intellectual communities.
5.Murdoch’s Past: Murdoch, who has had several marriages, divorced his fourth wife, supermodel Jerry Hall, in 2022. His ex-wives include Wendi Deng, Anna Murdoch Mann, and Patricia Booker. He is the father of six children and handed over News Corp’s leadership to his son Lachlan after retiring as CEO last year.
Future Prospects :
Despite Murdoch’s health problems, the future of News Corp appears secure, as it is administered by a family trust in which Murdoch and his four eldest children own shares. Murdoch is approaching his 93rd birthday on March 11, demonstrating his ongoing impact in the media industry.