Rupert Murdoch’s engagement to Ann Lesley Smith has ended

UPDATED: Rupert Murdoch and Ann Lesley Smith are no longer engaged, Deadline confirmed just weeks after news the two planned to tie the knot this summer. Smith would become the #5 wife of media mogul and Fox Corp chairman.

EARLY March 20: Rupert Murdoch is engaged again.

The 92-year-old billionaire said this in an interview with New York Postthat he will marry Ann Lesley Smith, the former chaplain of the San Francisco Police Department, who is 26 years his junior.

Murdoch divorced Jerry Hall, his fourth wife, last August. He talked about his new love and told it Aftersays Cindy Adams: “I was afraid of falling in love, but I knew it would be my last. better off I’m happy.”

Murdoch said he asked the question on New York’s St. Patrick’s Day asked nervously last week while adorning Smith’s finger with an Asscher-cut diamond engagement ring. They will marry in late summer.

He told it After who met them at his Moraga winery in Bel Air, California. Smith’s late husband, Chester Smith, the country singer, also owned a vineyard, so the couple began discussing wine.

“We’re both looking forward to spending the second half of our lives together,” said Murdoch, who plans to split his time with his new wife between California, the UK, Montana and New York.

Smith said: “This is a gift from God for both of us. We met last September. I have been a widow for 14 years. Like Rupert, my husband was a businessman. Worked for local newspapers, developed radio and television stations and Univision helps promote. So I speak Rupert’s language. We share the same beliefs.

“This is perspective not my first rodeo. Turning 70 means being in the latter half. I waited for the right moment. Friends are happy for me.”

Murdoch was previously married to Hall, Wendi Deng, Anna Torv and Patricia Booker. He has six children including Elisabeth, Lachlan and James from his marriage to Torv.

Jill Goldsmith contributed to this report