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Who Is Elena Zhukova? Wiki, Age, Children, Net Worth, Family & BIO of Rupert Murdoch’s Fiancée

Rohit Kumar March 8, 2024

Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul who built a global empire of news, entertainment, and sports, is ready to tie the knot for the fifth time. The 92-year-old billionaire has announced his engagement to Elena Zhukova, a 67-year-old retired molecular biologist from Russia. The couple, who have been dating since last April, are set to marry on June 1 at Murdoch’s California vineyard and estate, Moraga.

But who is Elena Zhukova, the woman who won the heart of one of the most powerful and influential men in the world? Here are some facts about her life, career, and relationship with Murdoch.

A Brilliant Scientist

Elena Zhukova was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1957 (age: 66 years, as of 2023). She came from a family of intellectuals and scientists, and she developed a passion for biology and chemistry at an early age. She graduated from Moscow State University with a degree in biochemistry and then pursued a PhD in molecular biology at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

She moved to the United States in 1989, after the fall of the Soviet Union, and joined the University of California, Los Angeles, as a research associate. She specialized in diabetes research, studying the molecular mechanisms of insulin secretion and resistance. She published several papers in prestigious journals and received grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Diabetes Association.

She retired from her scientific career in 2018, after more than 30 years of dedicated work. She said she wanted to focus on her personal life and hobbies, such as art, music, and travel.

Elena Zhukova with her husband — Elena Zhukova with Rupert Murdoch

Elena Zhukova Wiki/Bio, Facts

Name	Elena Zhukova
Birth Date	1957
Birth Place	Moscow, Russia
Nationality	Russian-American
Education	Moscow State University, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
Occupation	Retired molecular biologist
Spouse	Alexander Zhukov (1985-2020), Rupert Murdoch (2021-present)
Children	2 ( Has A daughter)
Grandchildren	4

A Wealthy Widow

Elena Zhukova was married to Alexander Zhukov, a Russian-born British billionaire who made his fortune in the energy sector. He was the founder and chairman of LetterOne, an investment group that owns stakes in oil and gas, telecom, health, and retail companies. He was also a philanthropist who supported various causes, such as education, culture, and sports.

Great to be with @nflcommish at our @FOXSports retreat. Looking forward to another fantastic season of @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/tTQT55hLeE
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) August 4, 2014

The couple had two children, a son and a daughter, who are both in their 30s and live in London. They also had four grandchildren, whom Elena adores.

She and Alexander were married for 35 years, until he passed away in 2020, after a long battle with cancer. He left behind a net worth of $8.2 billion, according to Forbes, making Elena one of the richest widows in the world.

Height, Weight

Height: 5 ft 10 in or 178 cm
Weight: 68 kg or 150 lbs
Eye color: Blue
Body measurements: Not available
Skin color: Fair
Hair color: Blonde
Shoe size: Not available

A Surprising Romance

Elena Zhukova met Rupert Murdoch through a mutual friend, Wendi Deng, who is Murdoch’s third ex-wife. Wendi Deng invited her to a family gathering in 2020, where she introduced her to Murdoch. The two hit it off and started dating a few months later, after Murdoch ended his brief engagement to Ann Lesley Smith, a conservative radio host.

The couple kept their relationship low-key and private, avoiding the media spotlight and public appearances. They bonded over their shared interests, such as science, art, and politics. They also enjoyed spending time at Murdoch’s vineyard, where they grew their own grapes and made their own wine.

Murdoch proposed to Elena in February 2021, with a stunning diamond ring. He also asked for her children’s blessing, who gave their approval. The couple announced their engagement in March 2024, through a spokesperson, who said they were “very happy and excited” about their upcoming wedding.

Rupert Murdoch to Wed Retired Russian Scientist Elena Zhukova

Rupert Murdoch, the media magnate who owns News Corp, Fox, and The Wall Street Journal, has confirmed his engagement to Elena Zhukova, a 67-year-old retired molecular biologist from Russia. The couple, who have been dating for about a year, are planning to get married on June 1 at Murdoch’s California vineyard and estate, Moraga.

This will be the fifth marriage for the 92-year-old billionaire, who has six children from his previous unions. His last marriage was to Jerry Hall, a model and actress, who divorced him in 2019. His other ex-wives are Patricia Booker, Anna Murdoch Mann, Wendi Deng, and Ann Lesley Smith.

Zhukova, who was born in Moscow, is a former diabetes researcher who worked at UCLA for over two decades. She retired in 2019 and has since focused on philanthropy and art. She was previously married to Alexander Zhukov, a Russian-born British oil tycoon, with whom she has two children. Her daughter, Dasha Zhukova, is a prominent art collector and philanthropist who was once married to Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea Football Club.

Zhukova and Murdoch met at a family gathering hosted by Deng, Murdoch’s third ex-wife, in 2019. Deng is a close friend of Dasha Zhukova and they often attend social events together. Zhukova and Murdoch started dating in April 2020, shortly after Murdoch broke off his engagement to Smith, a conservative radio host. The couple kept their relationship discreet and avoided the media attention. They share a common interest in art and philanthropy, and they also enjoy traveling and spending time at Murdoch’s vineyard.

Murdoch proposed to Zhukova in February 2021 and gave her a dazzling diamond ring. The couple announced their engagement to their friends and family and sent out invitations for their wedding, which will take place on June 1 at Moraga. According to the New York Times, which first reported the story, the wedding will not affect the future of Murdoch’s media empire, which is held in a trust by his four eldest children.

Murdoch is one of the most powerful and influential media moguls in the world, who started his career in Australia in the 1950s. He later expanded his business to the UK and the US, acquiring newspapers, magazines, TV channels, and online platforms. He launched Fox News in 1996, which became the most watched TV news channel in the US. He also founded News Corp in 2013, which owns hundreds of local, national, and international media outlets.

His career has been marked by controversies, such as the phone hacking scandal that involved his UK tabloid, the News of the World, in 2011. In 2020, he stepped down as chairman of Fox and News Corp and handed over the leadership to his son Lachlan. He remains the chairman emeritus of both companies.

A Happy Ending

Elena Zhukova will be Rupert Murdoch’s fifth wife, following Patricia Booker, Anna Murdoch Mann, Wendi Deng, and Jerry Hall. Murdoch has six children from his previous marriages, ranging in age from 18 to 63. He also has 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The wedding will take place earlier in 2024, at Moraga, Murdoch’s 16-acre estate in Bel Air, Los Angeles. The estate features a mansion, a guest house, a pool, a tennis court, and a winery. The ceremony will be attended by close family and friends, who have already received their invitations.

The couple plans to spend their honeymoon in Europe, visiting some of their favorite destinations, such as France, Italy, and Switzerland. They also hope to travel to Russia, where Elena wants to show Murdoch her hometown and introduce him to her relatives.

Elena Zhukova and Rupert Murdoch are looking forward to starting a new chapter in their lives, full of love, happiness, and adventure. They are proof that age is just a number and that it is never too late to find your soulmate.