Rupert Murdoch, the media magnate long associated with high-profile relationships, has announced a forthcoming marriage proposal to Ann Leslie Smith, his partner who is 66 years old. The couple spoke about their engagement in a recent interview conducted for a broadcast platform, underscoring the commitment they’ve chosen to share publicly. Murdoch, now 92, described the engagement as a moment that arrived when neither person could ignore the growing bond between them, even though the path toward lasting companionship once felt uncertain and daunting. He conveyed a sense of resolution and happiness about embracing love again, noting that the decision to move forward was intentional and heartfelt.
For the engagement ring, Murdoch personally selected a piece featuring a solitary Asscher-cut diamond. The choice reflects a preference for a classic, elegant style that aligns with a straightforward, timeless aesthetic. Smith, who previously served as a chaplain for the San Francisco Police Department, shared that she was widowed fourteen years prior. Her late husband, Chester Smith, was a country music performer as well as a radio and television producer, whose career nurtured additional ties to the media and entertainment world. In reflecting on her late spouse and her own experiences, she noted parallels between her late husband’s business acumen and Murdoch’s own approach to media, reporting, and public life. This shared background appears to have fostered a mutual understanding and a common language that deepened their connection over time.
During the conversation, Smith recalled that her husband’s legacy in local journalism and broadcasting helped shape her own perspective, and she described a sense of resonance with Murdoch’s worldview and professional priorities. The two described how their respective careers—rooted in newspapers, radio, and television—converged in a shared commitment to storytelling, media influence, and the ability to reach wide audiences. They emphasized that their connection was built on shared values and a shared sense of responsibility to the communities their work serves, rather than on fleeting excitement alone.
Murdoch explained that the couple first crossed paths at a winery during a tour that he undertook with a musical ensemble. He described a spontaneous conversation that sparked ongoing communication, culminating in a decision to pursue a more permanent life together. The narrative Murdoch offered painted a picture of a relationship that grew from casual encounters into a deliberate, respectful partnership, one that both parties hope to nurture over the years ahead. He indicated that the decision to marry was not impulsive but a thoughtful choice grounded in admiration, compatibility, and shared goals for the future.
Looking ahead, the pair expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of spending what they described as the next chapters of their lives together. They conveyed a sense of anticipation and mutual support, outlining plans that include a wedding scheduled for the upcoming summer. The announcement follows a period during which Murdoch’s high-profile personal life has frequently been in the public eye, though the focus of the public conversation has shifted toward the couple’s shared vision for companionship, family, and personal fulfillment in the years to come.
In a related note, there has been public interest in Murdoch’s earlier marriage history. The businessman was previously married to a well-known fashion model, with that union ending after several years. The evolving personal narrative of Murdoch continues to attract attention given the broad scope of his professional influence and the enduring curiosity about how his personal choices intersect with public life, media leadership, and the dynamics of modern celebrity culture. The new engagement adds another chapter to a story that revolves around partnerships, shared values, and a desire to build a future together in the public eye.