Rupert Murdoch engaged to Ann Lesley Smith, months after Jerry Hall divorce

Morgan Hines, USA TODAY
·2 min read
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Rupert Murdoch is ready to make the trek down the aisle once again.

The media tycoon is engaged, representative Bryce Tom confirmed to USA TODAY Monday, months after his divorce from former supermodel Jerry Hall was finalized.

Murdoch, 92, got engaged to former San Francisco police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith, 66, in New York City on Friday – St. Patrick's Day – he told the New York Post, a publication within the titan's media conglomerate, News Corp.

"We’re both looking forward to spending the second half of our lives together," Murdoch told the outlet.

Smith, who was previously married to late country singer and television and radio executive Chester Smith, told the Post that "for us both it’s a gift from God."

The couple shares some common ground, according to Smith.

"Like Rupert, my husband was a businessman. Worked for local papers, developed radio and TV stations and helped promote Univision," she said. "So I speak Rupert’s language. We share the same beliefs."

The couple met around six months ago – in September, per the bride-to-be – and plans to wed in the summer, according to the New York Post.

This will be Murdoch's fifth marriage. "I was very nervous. I dreaded falling in love – but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I’m happy," Murdoch said.

Media titan Rupert Murdoch is engaged at 92, planning to wed for the fifth time, his representative confirmed March 20, 2023.
Media titan Rupert Murdoch is engaged at 92, planning to wed for the fifth time, his representative confirmed March 20, 2023.

'They remain good friends': Rupert Murdoch, Jerry Hall divorce after 6 years of marriage

Rupert Murdoch's marriage history

Murdoch has been married four times previously.

Murdoch and Hall finalized their divorce in August after six years of marriage, Murdoch's attorney Robert S. Cohen and Hall's attorney Judith L. Poller confirmed to USA TODAY at the time. Hall was Murdoch's fourth spouse.

"They remain good friends and wish each other the best for the future," the attorneys said in an emailed statement.

He was married to Patricia Booker from 1956-1965, Anna Torv from 1967-1999 and Wendi Deng from 1999-2013. Murdoch shares six children with his three previous wives.

He has four daughters: Prudence, Elisabeth, Grace and Chloe, and two sons, Lachlan and James.

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Contributing: Edward Segarra 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rupert Murdoch engaged to Ann Lesley Smith after Jerry Hall divorce