Murdoch, Rupert. the mother of all media on Earth, professionally. personally, the person who originally broke the news. In honour of March, his Nativity month, there is a brand-new scoop: Mr. Murdoch is remarrying.
But first, before anything else, we talk about the crucial issues. like the Asscher-cut diamond solitaire that the prospective husband-to-be personally chose for his bride. I’m one-fourth Irish, he claims. On St. Patrick’s Day in New York City, he gave her the ring.
He says: “I was very nervous. I dreaded falling in love — but I knew this would be my last. It better be. I’m happy.”
Former San Fran police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith, 66, whose late husband was Chester Smith, the country singer, radio and TV exec: “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.”
Rupert on meeting at his vineyard Moraga in Bel Air, Calif.: “She and her husband also owned a vineyard and had been in the wine business. Last year when there was 200 people at my vineyard, I met her and we talked a bit. Two weeks later I called her.”
I uttered the wise words: OK. But nowadays, it’s all about couples simply cohabiting. No formal event. It is the current fad. Before moving forward with any wedding, they even work out the divorce settlement in Hollywood.
“We’re both looking forward to spending the second half of our lives together,” the prospective groom continues.
A late summer wedding is scheduled. Friends are searching stores and designers for Ann’s dress in addition to a personal shopper.
They’ll split their time between New York, Montana, the UK, and California.
I wasn’t sure if it was the correct time to ask Rupert Murdoch for a raise because he seemed so content.