Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, 92, to wed retired scientist Elena Zhukova, 67, marking his fifth marriage

In an unexpected revelation, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, aged 92, has announced his engagement to 67-year-old retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova. This news comes just five months after Murdoch stepped down from the helm of his expansive News Corp media empire. The couple plans to celebrate their union at Murdoch’s picturesque California vineyard estate, Moraga, a decision that has captured the attention of both media circles and the public.

Murdoch, whose romantic ventures have always been of interest to the public, finds love again with Zhukova, a distinguished scientist known for her work as a molecular diabetes specialist at the University of California, Los Angeles. The pair reportedly met through a family gathering hosted by Murdoch’s third ex-wife, Wendi Deng, marking the beginning of their relationship.

This engagement marks Murdoch’s sixth, following a brief engagement to conservative radio host Ann Lesley Smith last year and his marriage to former supermodel Jerry Hall, which ended in 2022. Murdoch’s history of marital ventures and his significant impact on the global media landscape continue to fascinate onlookers worldwide.

The Murdoch media dynasty, encompassing a vast array of local, national, and international digital news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and Sky News Australia, reflects Rupert Murdoch’s enduring influence. Despite stepping back from an active role in his media empire, Murdoch remains a central figure in the industry, with a reported net worth of $8.96 billion according to Bloomberg.

Zhukova, with her notable background in science and connections to the “normal Moscow intelligentsia,” brings a unique dimension to the Murdoch family. Her daughter, Dasha Zhukova, a renowned art collector and philanthropist, further highlights the diverse and influential connections of this union.

As plans for the summer wedding at Murdoch’s Moraga estate unfold, anticipation builds around this next chapter in Murdoch’s life. This marriage follows a challenging year for the Murdoch empire, which saw a significant settlement between Fox News and Dominion over disputed election fraud allegations. Amid these professional tribulations, Murdoch’s personal happiness emerges as a beacon of resilience and new beginnings.