Billionaire Rupert Murdoch, 92, is engaged again just one year after divorce
Topics: News, World News, Sex and Relationships, Business, Money
Daisy Phillipson
Featured Image Credit: Image Press Agency/Reuters/Alamy Stock Photos
Topics: News, World News, Sex and Relationships, Business, Money
The many tentacles of Rupert Murdoch don't just reach deep into the media.
The billionaire tycoon has managed to find love again, having just gotten engaged at the ripe old age of 92 - just one year after getting a divorce.
Last July, Murdoch split from his wife of six years, 66-year-old model Jerry Hall, who cited 'irreconcilable differences' in their relationship.
Prior to this, the News Corp titan was married to Wendi Murdoch, Anna Murdoch Mann, and Patricia Booker.
Advert
But perhaps fifth time's a charm, as he is now ready to take those vows once more with 66-year-old Ann Lesley Smith.
The Murdoch family patriarch proposed to Smith - a former San Francisco police chaplain - with an Asscher-cut diamond solitaire ring in New York City on St Patrick’s Day (17 March).
Speaking to one of his own titles, The New York Post, about why he chose that day, he said: "I’m one-fourth Irish."
Despite being one of the most powerful and influential people in the world, owning a significant chunk of the western world's media, it turns out even he struggles when it comes to love.
"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 pair first met on Murdoch's vineyard Moraga in Bel Air, California, as Smith had been in the wine business with her late husband, country singer Chester Smith.
"Last year when there was 200 people at my vineyard, I met her and we talked a bit," he said. "Two weeks later I called her."
His bride-to-be also spoke about their relationship, telling the outlet: "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."
Murdoch added: "We’re both looking forward to spending the second half of our lives together."
That's a pretty optimistic statement from a 92-year-old - he might control the media but pretty sure living to 184 is medically impossible.
Either way, they're certainly eager to tie the knot, with the wedding planned for this summer.