This year, the world is set to witness one of the most talked-about weddings in recent memory. Ninety-three-year-old media mogul Rupert Murdoch, one of the richest and most influential men on the planet, is preparing to walk down the aisle once again. His bride-to-be? A 66-year-old Russian-born retired molecular biologist named Elena Zhukova, whose life story and connections have captivated global headlines.
The news has reignited public fascination with Murdoch’s private life—a man whose empire has shaped global media for decades—and sparked endless debates online about love, age, and the curious intersection between wealth and romance.
The Billionaire’s Fifth Marriage
For those who’ve followed Murdoch’s personal journey, this will be his fifth marriage. Over the years, the media tycoon’s relationships have drawn almost as much attention as his business ventures. His previous wives included flight attendants, journalists, and businesswomen, each marking a different era of his long and eventful life.
His new fiancée, Elena Zhukova, adds another remarkable chapter to this saga. The pair reportedly met through mutual friends and quickly bonded over shared interests, including art, travel, and family. According to sources close to the couple, the relationship blossomed quietly and steadily, far from the media spotlight—until the engagement was confirmed earlier this year.
Murdoch, whose net worth is estimated at $17.7 billion, has built an empire that includes some of the world’s most powerful media outlets, such as The Sun, The Times, and the New York Post, as well as a major stake in Fox Corporation. His influence has shaped politics, public opinion, and journalism for over half a century.
Who Is Elena Zhukova?
Elena Zhukova may not be a household name in the media world, but she has an impressive background of her own. Born in Russia, she built a respected career as a molecular biologist after emigrating to the United States. She is now retired and known for her elegant yet low-profile lifestyle.
Zhukova was previously married to Alexander Zhukov, a British-Russian businessman and oil trader. Together they have one daughter, Dasha Zhukova, who is a well-known art collector, philanthropist, and businesswoman. Dasha is also the ex-wife of Roman Abramovich, the billionaire former owner of Chelsea Football Club.
That connection alone has added an extra layer of intrigue to Murdoch’s engagement. As one online commentator humorously noted, “So Rupert Murdoch is marrying Roman Abramovich’s ex-mother-in-law? The billionaire world really is a small village.”
A Wedding That’s Turning Heads
While details about the upcoming ceremony remain under wraps, reports suggest that the wedding will be intimate but elegant, likely taking place at one of Murdoch’s lavish estates. Insiders describe Elena as “intelligent, warm, and down-to-earth”—someone who has brought a sense of calm and companionship into Murdoch’s later years.
A close acquaintance of the couple told British tabloids:
“Rupert is genuinely happy. He enjoys her company immensely. She’s kind, cultured, and not at all impressed by his fame. They have a very natural connection.”
For Murdoch, the engagement marks a new beginning after a turbulent few years. In 2023, he called off a short-lived engagement to Ann Lesley Smith, a radio host, just two weeks after announcing it publicly. Before that, his divorce from model and actress Jerry Hall—his fourth wife—made international headlines.
Public Reaction: From Curiosity to Cynicism
As soon as photos of Murdoch and Zhukova surfaced online, social media platforms lit up with commentary. Some users expressed genuine happiness for the couple, admiring the fact that both had found companionship later in life. Others, however, were less charitable.
“I wonder if he were an ordinary pensioner, would she still have fallen for him?” one user wrote under a viral photo of the pair walking hand in hand.
Another commented wryly, “It’s love, of course. Billion-dollar love.”
A few users took a more reflective approach, pointing out that wealth and age may attract attention, but companionship and emotional connection matter at any stage of life. “At 93, what else could he want but someone to share his final years with?” one person wrote. “Money can’t buy time, but maybe it can buy a little happiness.”
Of course, not everyone agreed. Sarcastic remarks like “Money works wonders” and “True love smells like old money” flooded comment sections across Instagram and Twitter (now X), illustrating how divided public opinion remains.
The Man Behind the Empire
To many, Rupert Murdoch represents far more than just a wealthy businessman—he is a symbol of global media power. His career spans over seven decades, beginning when he inherited a small newspaper in Australia from his father and built it into a worldwide media conglomerate.
Under his leadership, News Corporation became one of the largest and most influential media organizations in the world. Murdoch’s outlets have shaped political discourse across continents, influencing elections and public narratives. Even now, in his nineties, he remains an active figure in the corporate world, known for his sharp mind and relentless energy.
Despite his business achievements, Murdoch’s personal life has often drawn equal fascination. From high-profile marriages to lavish parties, his romantic choices have always been the subject of intense scrutiny. But to those who know him personally, he is described as a deeply loyal man who values connection and family above all.
A Relationship Built on Understanding
According to friends of the couple, Murdoch and Zhukova’s relationship is built on mutual respect and shared values rather than glamour or status. “Elena is very private and thoughtful,” said a source. “She’s not interested in fame. What draws them together is companionship, conversation, and a shared love of culture.”
Murdoch, who has six children from previous marriages, is said to have introduced Zhukova to his family, and insiders describe the relationship as “warm and positive.”
While some question the practicality of marriage at such an advanced age, others see it as a celebration of life and love. “It’s never too late to start a new chapter,” one fan wrote online. “If he’s found happiness again, why not?”
Love, Age, and the Spotlight
Whether viewed as a romantic fairytale or a curiosity of the ultra-rich, the engagement has certainly caught the world’s attention. It raises questions about companionship in old age, the meaning of partnership, and how public perception of love changes when billions are involved.
For Rupert Murdoch and Elena Zhukova, though, the noise of the internet seems far away. Sources close to them say they are focusing on each other—and on making the most of every moment together.
As one commenter succinctly put it:
“Say what you will, but at 93, he’s still chasing love instead of headlines. Maybe that’s the real story here.”
Whatever opinions swirl around them, one thing is certain: the upcoming wedding of Rupert Murdoch and Elena Zhukova proves that, even in the most unexpected places—and at any age—love still finds a way.
