At the age of 93, media titan Rupert Murdoch has exchanged wedding vows for the fifth time, marrying 67-year-old retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova in an intimate ceremony held at his Californian vineyard.
- Jun 3, 2024
AceShowbiz - Media mogul Rupert Murdoch married Elena Zhukova, marking his fifth marriage at his estate and vineyard in Moraga, California. The ceremony, which took place on June 1, was attended by close friends and family, including Murdoch's son Lachlan and his wife Sarah.
The majestic Moraga estate, the same location where Murdoch previously engaged in high-stakes business discussions, served as a picturesque backdrop for the nuptials. Murdoch wore a dark suit and a patterned yellow tie, while the bride stunned in a white dress, holding a bouquet of Lily of the Valley flowers.
According to reports from Murdoch's various media outlets, the couple first met in 2023, with a connection said to be facilitated by Murdoch's third wife, Wendi Deng.
Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist who emigrated from Moscow to the United States in 1991, was previously married to Russian-born British businessman Alexander Zhukov. She gave birth to three children, including socialite and philanthropist Dasha Zhukova, who was married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich from 2008 to 2018.
Murdoch stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp last year, passing the torch to his son Lachlan after a seven-decade-long career.
Murdoch has a total of six children from his previous marriages. He first married Patricia Booker in 1956, whom he divorced in 1967. His second marriage to Anna Maria Torv lasted from 1967 to 1999, yielding three children: Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James. Marriages to Wendi Deng (1999-2013) and Jerry Hall (2016-2022) followed, and he briefly engaged Ann Lesley Smith in 2023.
Murdoch's wedding to Zhukova is unlikely to affect his business empire, as the family trust controls Fox Corp and News Corp shares, belonging to his four eldest children. Murdoch announced last September that he would take on a "chairman emeritus" role, ensuring his engagement with the world of media and news continues.
The seasoned tycoon's latest chapter is a testament to his enduring influence and personal journey, reminding us that new beginnings and profound relationships can flourish at any stage of life.
