Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch engaged for sixth time

AUSTRALIA: Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch has become engaged to his girlfriend, his team has confirmed. The 92-year-old has reportedly been dating retired Russian molecular biologist Elena Zhukova, 67 for several months.

The marriage, which is expected to take place at his Moraga vineyard and estate in California this year, will be Mr Murdoch’s fifth, but sixth engagement. He stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp last year.

According to the New York Times, which broke the story, the nuptials are set for June and invitations have already been sent out.

Australian-born Mr Murdoch was rumoured to be dating Ms Zhukova soon after his engagement to ex-police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith was abruptly called off in April 2023.

The pair are said to have met at a party hosted by one of his ex-wives, Chinese-born entrepreneur Wendi Deng.

Mr Murdoch’s other former spouses were Australian flight attendant Patricia Booker, Scottish-born journalist Anna Mann, Ms Deng and US model and actress Jerri Hall.