Billionaire Rupert Murdoch, 92, and Ann Lesley Smith suddenly call off engagement

It appears that wedding bells won't be ringing for Rupert Murdoch anytime soon, as his engagement has apparently been called off.

However, it's not like he hasn't heard them enough already in his 92 years on this planet, at least more than the average person anyway.

Last July, the media tycoon split from his wife of six years, model Jerry Hall, who cited 'irreconcilable differences' in their relationship.

Prior to this, the News Corp head honcho was married to Wendi Murdoch, Anna Murdoch Mann, and Patricia Booker.

But only last month, Murdoch announced he was engaged to 66-year-old Ann Lesley Smith.

The billionaire proposed to Smith on St Patrick's Day (17 March) with an Asscher-cut diamond solitaire ring in New York City.

The Photo Access / Alamy Stock Photo

Speaking to one of his own titles, The New York Post, about why he chose that day, he said: "I’m one-fourth Irish."

He added: "I was very nervous. I dreaded falling in love - but I knew this would be my last," he said. "It better be. I’m happy."

The couple met last year at a vineyard with 200 people in attendance, with Murdoch saying he rang her two weeks later.

Smith also spoke to the outlet, saying: "For us both it’s a gift from God. We met last September.

"I’m a widow, 14 years. Like Rupert, my husband was a businessman. Worked for local papers, developed radio and TV stations and helped promote Univision. So I speak Rupert’s language.

"We share the same beliefs.

"In perspective, it’s not my first rodeo. Getting near 70 means being in the last half. I waited for the right time. Friends are happy for me."

Meanwhile, Murdoch added: "We’re both looking forward to spending the second half of our lives together."

Ann Lesley Live

Well, that has seemingly not exactly gone to plan, as the pair have reportedly ended their whirlwind romance, according to sources cited by Vanity Fair.

A spokesperson for Rupert Murdoch declined to speak to the outlet.

According to the source, Murdoch had become 'increasingly uncomfortable' with Smith's outspoken evangelical views.

Since Smith's engagement to Murdoch was announced just weeks ago, less than favourable headlines surfaced surrounding her.

After her most recent husband, Chester Smith, died in 2008, Smith became embroiled in a court battle with her stepdaughters surrounding her late husband's massive fortune.

UNILAD has reached out to Murdoch's reps for comment.