Mother of News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch Dies at 103

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The mother of News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch died Wednesday at the age of 103, the Wall Street Journal reported.

It didn't give a special cause of death.

Elisabeth Murdoch was known as a philanthropist in her native Australia, and her son was known for having a close relationship with her.

After she suffered a fall in September at her home outside of Melbourne, Murdoch canceled business meetings in Australia to tend to her.

On Thanksgiving, the mogul tweeted: "Thanks for loving family, great colleagues, loyal friends, amazing 103 y.o. mum still fighting for happy life."

''We have lost the most wonderful mother, but we are all grateful to have had her love and wisdom for so many years,'' the media mogul said in a statement on behalf of the extended family, according to newspaper The Australian.

''Throughout her life, our mother demonstrated the very best qualities of true public service. Her energy and personal commitment made our country a more hopeful place and she will be missed by many.''

Elisabeth Murdoch was born under the name Greene in a Melbourne suburb and married former war correspondent Keith Murdoch, who had become a newspaper publisher, in 1928.

The Journal said that the two-decades older Murdoch saw a photo of the young woman in one of the magazines he published and arranged a meeting.

The death of the publisher in 1952 gave Rupert Murdoch his start as a media mogul as he built News Corp. into a global media conglomerate.

Elisabeth Murdoch supported more than 100 charities, particularly in artistic fields and in children's health

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai