This was published 1 year ago
Rupert Murdoch calls off engagement with Ann Lesley Smith
By Chris Zappone
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Ann Lesley Smith have called off their engagement, two media outlets have reported.
Murdoch announced plans to marry 66-year-old Smith, a dental hygienist and San Francisco police chaplain turned conservative radio host, last month.
Rupert Murdoch announced his engagement to Ann Lesley Smith last month.Credit: Jenna Bascom Photography
The 92-year-old Australian-born mogul told the New York Post, one of his own newspapers, that he had proposed to Smith with an Asscher cut diamond solitaire ring that he personally selected.
However, Vanity Fair, citing “sources close to Murdoch”, reported the businessman had put the wedding plans on ice.
“One source close to Murdoch said he had become increasingly uncomfortable with Smith’s outspoken evangelical views,” the outlet reported.
Reuters later confirmed the news.
The New York Times said a person close to the media magnate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, had acknowledged the wedding had been called off, adding that it would not be a “great leap” to say that Murdoch’s relationship with Smith had come to an end.
The London Telegraph, quoting reported sources said the couple came to a “mutual decision” after a heart-to-heart discussion on Monday night. It said Smith told him she was struggling to cope with being in the public eye.
The couple had planned to marry in the northern summer.
On March 20, The New York Post reported the two had become engaged.
“I dreaded falling in love – but I knew this would be my last,” Murdoch said. “It better be. I’m happy.”
Smith, who was previously married to the late country singer Chester Smith, described her relationship with Murdoch then as a “gift from God”.
Murdoch recently divorced from his fourth wife, model Jerry Hall.
Upon announcing his engagement plans last month, Rupert had revealed plans to travel extensively.
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