Media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Ann Lesley Smith have called off their engagement, Vanity Fair has reported.

Murdoch announced plans to marry 66-year-old Smith, a dental hygienist 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.

The couple had planned to marry in the northern summer.

On March 20, Murdoch’s New York Post newspaper 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 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.

Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here.

Most Viewed in World

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article