Rupert Murdoch, the 92-year-old media mogul, is set to tie the knot for the fifth time with Elena Zhukova, a 67-year-old retired scientist from Russia. The couple met last year, and Zhukova was previously married to billionaire energy investor and Russian politician Alexander Zhukov. Their daughter, Dasha, was once married to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea Football Club.
Murdoch, who inherited a newspaper in Australia from his father in 1952, has built a vast media empire that includes major newspapers like The Times of London and The Wall Street Journal. He stepped down from leading Fox News' parent company and News Corp. last fall, passing the reins to his son, Lachlan.
Known for founding Fox News Channel in 1996, Murdoch's influence on American politics and media is undeniable. The network has been a trusted news source for many conservative audiences and politicians, although it has faced controversies, including a $787 million settlement for a defamation lawsuit related to its coverage of the 2020 presidential election.
In addition to Fox News, Murdoch launched the Fox broadcast network, challenging major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC. He also owns the New York Post, a popular conservative outlet. His family, which served as inspiration for the HBO series 'Succession,' is estimated to have a wealth of around $19 billion.
Murdoch has been married four times before, with six children from three of his marriages. His most recent marriage to model and actor Jerry Hall ended in divorce in 2022. His previous wives include Patricia Booker, Anna Torv, and Wendi Deng, with whom he shares children Prudence, Lachlan, James, Elisabeth, Grace, and Chloe. Murdoch's children have equal stakes in the family trust and will have a say in the trust's voting stock after his passing.
Last spring, Murdoch was briefly engaged to Ann Lesley Smith before announcing his engagement to Elena Zhukova. The upcoming marriage marks another chapter in the life of one of the most influential figures in global media.
