Rupert Murdoch is demonstrating that age doesn’t define one’s readiness for new beginnings.
At 92 years old, the media tycoon is preparing to marry his girlfriend, Elena Zhukova, aged 67, in June this year, as reported by The New York Times and Reuters.
According to Murdoch’s office, the relationship with Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist, began last summer. The two first crossed paths at a family event organized by Murdoch’s third wife, Wendi Deng, with whom he maintains a positive relationship, as reported by The Guardian.
Invitations for the upcoming wedding of Rupert Murdoch and Elena Zhukova have already been dispatched, as confirmed by a representative for Murdoch speaking to The New York Times. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Murdoch’s California vineyard and estate, Moraga.
Elena Zhukova, Murdoch’s fianceĢe, is a retired molecular biologist with a background in diabetes research, including studies conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, according to The New York Times.
Previously, Zhukova was married to Alexander Zhukov, a billionaire energy investor who migrated from Moscow to the United States during the twilight of the Soviet Union. Zhukov, now a British citizen residing in London, was mentioned in reports by The New York Times. Additionally, BBC News indicates Zhukova’s Russian heritage.
In the meantime, Darya Zhukova, Elena Zhukova’s daughter, was formerly married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich until 2017.
Rupert Murdoch’s upcoming marriage to Elena Zhukova will mark his sixth engagement. Prior to this, Murdoch was married to supermodel Jerry Hall, with their union ending in the summer of 2022. Subsequently, in Spring 2023, he became engaged to Ann Lesley Smith, a retired dental hygienist. However, their engagement was short-lived, ending abruptly two weeks later. Just a few months after this, Murdoch was romantically involved with Zhukova, according to reports by The Guardian.
In September 2023, Murdoch relinquished his positions as chair of Fox Corporation and executive chairman of News Corp, passing the leadership of his company to his son, Lachlan Murdoch.