Elena Zhukova Age: How Old Is Rupert Murdoch’s New Wife?

93-year-old media tycoon Rupert Murdoch has married 67-year-old Elena Zhukova. The wedding took place at Murdoch’s California estate and vineyard, Moraga, attended by close friends and family members.

A new chapter begins

The engagement between Murdoch and retired molecular biologist Zhukova was confirmed in March. The couple met at a family function in 2023. Murdoch wore a dark suit with a patterned yellow tie, while the bride wore a white dress and carried a small bouquet of Lily of the Valley flowers.

Murdoch’s marriages over the years

This is Murdoch’s fifth marriage. His first marriage was to flight attendant Patricia Booker in 1956. They divorced 11 years later and had one child, Prudence. In 1967, Murdoch married Scottish journalist Anna Maria Torv, with whom he had three children: Elizabeth, Lachlan and James. Their marriage lasted 32 years and ended in 1999.

A few months after his second divorce, Murdoch married Wendi Deng. They had two daughters, Grace and Chloe, before divorcing in 2013. Murdoch’s fourth marriage was to supermodel Jerry Hall from 2016 to 2022. Following the divorce, Murdoch had a brief engagement to Ann Leslie Smith in 2023, which ended after just two weeks.

Meeting with Elena Zhukova

Murdoch’s third wife, Wendi Deng, is believed to have introduced him to Elena Zhukova. Zhukova is a respected molecular biologist who has focused her research on diabetes. She has worked at institutions around the world, including the University of California, Los Angeles.

Zhukova came to the US from Moscow at the end of the Soviet Union with her then-husband, Alexander Zhukov, a billionaire energy investor. They have a daughter, Dasha Zhukova, who was married to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich until 2017.

Withdrawal from business

In September 2023, Murdoch announced his retirement as head of Fox Corp and News Corp. He handed over the chairmanship to his son Lachlan. Despite stepping down, Murdoch remains honorary chairman of both companies. He wrote to his employees, “Throughout my professional life, I have been engaged every day with news and views, and that will not change. But the time is right for me to take on different roles, knowing that we have truly talented teams and a passionate, principled leader in Lachlan who will become sole chairman of both companies.”

Family Trusts and Business Affairs

Murdoch’s recent marriage is not expected to have any significant impact on his business affairs. Fox Corp. and News Corp. are controlled by a family trust, all of whose shares are held by Murdoch and his four eldest children: Prudence, Elizabeth, Lachlan and James. This structure ensures stability in the ownership and management of the media empire.

Legacy of influence

Rupert Murdoch’s career began in Australia in the 1950s. He bought the News of the World and The Sun newspapers in the U.K. in 1969. Murdoch expanded his influence by acquiring U.S. publications such as the New York Post and the Wall Street Journal. In 1996, he launched Fox News, now the most-watched TV news channel in the U.S.

Murdoch’s career has been marked by many controversies, including the UK phone-hacking scandal involving the News of the World. Despite these challenges, his influence on the media industry remains profound.

To hope

The media world watched with interest as Rupert Murdoch began this new chapter with Elena Zhukova. Their marriage brings together two influential figures from different backgrounds. Murdoch’s life and career continue to be a subject of fascination and discussion.

Though he is away from the day-to-day running of his empire, Murdoch’s legacy is secure. His son Lachlan is now at the helm, guiding the future of Fox Corp. and News Corp. Murdoch’s story is one of ambition, resilience and significant influence over global media.

Murdoch’s recent marriage adds another chapter to his remarkable life. Enjoying the final years of his life with Zhukova, his impact on the media landscape is undeniable.

Leave a Comment