Report: Rupert Murdoch Calls Off His Engagement to Ann Lesley SmithThe 92-year-old media tycoon and former dental hygienist will not be getting married anytime soon, according to a new report.

ByJonathan SmallOriginally published

Well, that was quick.

Two weeks ago, News Corp head Rupert Murdoch andAnn Lesley Smith, a dental hygienist turned police chaplain, announced their engagement. ButVanity Fairreports that Murdoch and Smith will not be tying the knot in the near future.

According to the story, Murdoch has become "increasingly uncomfortable with Smith's outspoken evangelical views."

Smith reportedly found Jesus after an abusive relationship with her first husband, John B. Huntington, a wealthy businessman. She became a preacher known as "Rev Ann" in Northern California.

This would have been Murdoch's fifth marriage. He finalized the divorce from his fourth wife, model actress Jerry Hall last summer.

Original Story Below

Rupert Murdochis hoping the fifth time's a charm.

The 92-year-old executive chairman of News Corp recently announced his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith. This is the fifth time Murdoch willstroll down the aisle.

Murdoch first went public with the news in an interview with gossip columnist Cindy Adams in theNew York Post, a tabloid he owns. He said he popped the question to his bride-to-be on St. Patricks Day in New York.

"I was very nervous. I dreaded falling in love — but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I'm happy," he said.

Related:How Great Entrepreneurs Find Ways to Win During Economic Downturns

Who is Ann Lesley Smith?

Smith, 66, began her career as a dental hygienist and has also been a model and a singer.

Her first marriage to wealthy attorney John B. Huntington made her a multimillionaire socialite overnight. But the emotionally abusive relationship ended badly, and she lost almost everything—thanks to a prenup, she told theChristian Broadcast Network.

Her second marriage to country music star Chester Smith went much more harmoniously until he died in 2008 from a heart attack. The two recorded an album together.

Like Murdoch, Smith was also a radio and TV executive. He founded Sainte Television Group, the largest privately-owned broadcast company with stations. He died in 2008.

"I'm a widow 14 years," said Smith. "My husband was a businessman... So I speak Rupert's language. We share the same beliefs," she said.

After her husband's death, Smith became a police chaplain for the San Francisco Police Department.

"When I go on my calls, and I'm dealing with people who are in a lot of pain, I say, 'I've been here. I've been here, and you can get out.' It gives them hope," she said.

They met at a party

Murdoch and Smith first connected at a bash Murdoch hosted at his vineyard Moraga in Bel Air, California, a few years ago. She and her husband were also in the wine business and knew the Murdochs.

Last year, when there were 200 people at my vineyard, I met her, and we talked a bit. Two weeks later, I called her," Murdoch explained.

The couple went public with their romance a few months after Murdoch, and his former wife, Jerry Hall, finalized their divorce.

According to Adams, they plan to tie the know at the end of the summer.

"It's not my first rodeo. Getting near 70 means being in the last half. I waited for the right time," Smith said.

Murdoch seems equally enthusiastic. "We're both looking forward to spending the second half of our lives together," he said.

Wavy Line
Jonathan Small

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor in Chief of Green Entrepreneur

Jonathan Small is editor-in-chief ofGreen Entrepreneur, a vertical from Entrepreneur Media focused on the intersection of sustainability and business. He is also an award-winning journalist, producer, and podcast host of the upcoming True Crime series, Dirty Money, andWrite About Nowpodcasts. Jonathan is the founder ofStrike Fire Productions, a premium podcast production company. He had held editing positions atGlamour,Stuff,Fitness, andTwistMagazines. His stories have appeared inThe New York Times, TV Guide,Cosmo,Details, andGood Housekeeping. Previously, Jonathan served as VP of Content for the GSN (the Game Show Network), where he produced original digital video series.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Growing a Business

3 Solutions That Help Alleviate Everyday Pressures Small Business Owners Face

We live in a world with increasing pressures from stakeholders, constantly changing customer expectations and volatile financial conditions — which for many, especially business owners — can make it hard to create clear distinctions between professional and personal emotions.

Business News

What Is a 'Lazy Girl Job'? New TikTok Trend Empowers Women to Work However They Want

The trend began as a way for women to find more free time during their days.

Business Ideas

The Top 10 Home Business Ideas for 2023

Can't figure out which enterprise you should launch in 2023? Check out 10 stellar home business ideas to get inspiration.

Business News

Gen Zers Are Bragging About Making Upwards of $3 Million as Amazon Sellers. Is It Really That Easy?

Before you start a business on the popular online marketplace, keep these three points in mind.

Starting a Business

So You Sold Your First Business and Now You're Starting a New One — Here's How to Make Sure It's a Success.

Starting a second company after selling your first can be daunting, but it's also an exciting opportunity to prove yourself and create something amazing.