Rupert Murdoch’s Marital Journey A Timeline

On the brink of his 93rd birthday, media tycoon Rupert Murdoch has announced his engagement to Elena Zhukova, marking his sixth venture into matrimony. Let’s delve into a comprehensive timeline of his previous marriages.

Patricia Booker

In 1956, at the age of 25, Murdoch tied the knot with Patricia Booker, a former model and flight attendant, against the wishes of his mother. Their union lasted for 11 years and produced a daughter, Prudence.

Anna Murdoch Mann

Following his divorce from Booker in 1967, Murdoch embarked on a 32-year marriage with Anna Murdoch Mann, a Scottish-Australian novelist. Their relationship bore three children: Elisabeth, Lachlan, and James. However, rumors of an affair with Wendi Deng marred the later years of their marriage, leading to their divorce in 1999.

Wendi Deng

A mere 17 days after his divorce from Anna was finalized, Murdoch exchanged vows with Chinese-American entrepreneur Wendi Deng in 1999. Their marriage, spanning over a decade, resulted in two daughters, Grace and Chloe, before their separation in 2013.

Jerry Hall

In 2016, Murdoch entered his fourth marriage with former supermodel Jerry Hall. However, after six years together, the couple finalized their divorce in 2022, albeit amicably, maintaining their friendship.

Ann Lesley Smith

Murdoch’s fifth engagement came in 2023 when he proposed to Ann Lesley Smith, a former model and San Francisco police chaplain. Despite the initial excitement, the engagement was short-lived, and they called off the wedding shortly after announcing their plans.

Elena Zhukova

Currently engaged to Elena Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist, Murdoch continues his romantic pursuits. Zhukova, formerly married to Russian billionaire Alexander Radkin Zhukov, brings her own illustrious background to their relationship.

Conclusion

As Murdoch prepares for his impending nuptials with Zhukova, his past marriages form a rich tapestry of personal and public intrigue, showcasing the complexities of love and commitment over a lifetime. With each union, Murdoch’s journey through matrimony offers insights into the diverse experiences that shape a remarkable life.