On Saturday, June 1, right-wing media tycoon Rupert Murdoch tied the knot for the fifth time.
The UK Sun, one of Murdoch’s many media outlets, released photos of the 93-year-old Australian billionaire alongside his 67-year-old bride, retired molecular biologist Elena Zhukova. The wedding took place at Murdoch’s vineyard in Bel-Air, California.
Elena Zhukova is the mother of Dasha Zhukova, a Russian American art collector and the former wife of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
The new Mrs. Murdoch brings a background in science to her high-profile marriage, contrasting with the media empire built by her husband.
Murdoch has long been a dominant figure in media, sitting at the helm of Fox Corporation and News Corp, which include influential outlets like the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, and Fox News.
According to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index, Murdoch boasts a net worth of $9.77 billion. In November 2023, Murdoch announced he would step down as chairman of both Fox Corporation and News Corp, passing leadership to his son, Lachlan.
Despite stepping down, Murdoch stated he would maintain an “active role” and continues to serve as chairman emeritus for both companies.
Murdoch’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. His most recent marriage was to former supermodel Jerry Hall, whom he divorced in 2022.
Shortly after, in March 2023, Murdoch proposed to Ann Lesley Smith, but the engagement was called off two weeks later. He began dating Zhukova last summer, and the couple announced their engagement in March.
