Anna Murdoch-Mann, mother of News Corp heir, dies aged 81
BBC World
February 21, 2026
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Anna Murdoch-Mann, the ex-wife of media magnate Rupert Murdoch and mother to three of his children, including Lachlan Murdoch, has passed away at the age of 81. She died on February 17, 2023, in Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by family. Known for her philanthropic work and active role in building News Corp alongside her former husband, Murdoch-Mann was also a journalist and author who contributed significantly to the media landscape. Her life was marked by both personal and professional achievements, as well as high-profile challenges, including a controversial divorce from Murdoch in 1999.
Murdoch-Mann’s journey began in Glasgow, Scotland, where she was raised as a Catholic and later moved to Australia with her family after her parents’ divorce. She pursued a career in journalism, working for prominent Australian newspapers like the Sydney Daily Telegraph and Sydney Daily Mirror. During this time, she met Rupert Murdoch, whom she married in 1970. Together, they had three children—Elisabeth, James, and Lachlan—and she played a key role in shaping News Corp’s trajectory. Despite her active involvement in the family business, she also found success as an author, penning several novels, including *Family Business*, which explored themes of media dynasties.
Her divorce from Murdoch in 1999 was one of the most expensive and high-profile separations in history, with Murdoch-Mann receiving a $1.7 billion settlement. The dissolution of their marriage also sparked significant legal battles over the succession of Murdoch’s vast media
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/21/2026