Anna dePeyster, the former wife of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and mother to James, Elisabeth, and Lachlan Murdoch, died on February 17, 2026, in Palm Beach, Florida, following a long illness. She was 81 years old. DePeyster’s passing marks the end of a life that spanned journalism, literature, and a prominent role within one of the world’s most influential media families.
Born Anna Maria Torv in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1944, dePeyster emigrated to Australia with her family as a child. She began her career as a journalist in Sydney, working for the Daily Mirror and the Sydney Daily Telegraph, before her path intertwined with Rupert Murdoch, then a rising figure in Australian media. Their marriage in 1967 would last for 31 years and produce three children who would later become central figures in the News Corporation empire.
DePeyster’s influence extended beyond her role as a wife and mother. She served on the board of directors of News Corporation for eight years, demonstrating a keen understanding of the media landscape. She also pursued her own creative endeavors, earning a Master’s degree in literature and mythology from New York University and publishing three novels: In Her Own Image, Family Business, and Coming to Terms. Her literary perform offered a glimpse into her intellectual curiosity and storytelling abilities.
Early Life and Career in Journalism
Anna Torv’s early life was shaped by a transatlantic move. Her family left Scotland for Australia when she was nine years old, settling in Sydney. She quickly found her footing in journalism, beginning her career at the age of 18 with the Daily Mirror. She later moved to the Sydney Daily Telegraph, honing her skills as a reporter. It was at the Daily Telegraph that she met Rupert Murdoch, who was then the publisher of the paper. Their connection blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1967, following Murdoch’s divorce from his first wife, Patricia Booker.
A Three-Decade Marriage and Family Legacy
The marriage of Anna Torv and Rupert Murdoch coincided with Murdoch’s ambitious expansion of his media holdings. As Murdoch built a global empire, dePeyster played a significant role in raising their three children – James, Elisabeth, and Lachlan – and navigating the complexities of life in the public eye. The couple’s long marriage ended in divorce in 1999.
In recent years, the Murdoch children have been at the center of a closely watched succession drama within the family business. In 2025, a settlement was reached that saw James and Elisabeth Murdoch step back from active roles in News Corp, even as Lachlan Murdoch was reaffirmed as the heir apparent to his father, currently 94 years old. Despite stepping away from the company, Elisabeth Murdoch continues to run production company Sister, and James Murdoch is an investor and a member of Tesla’s board of directors, according to reports from Deadline.
Later Life and Philanthropic Pursuits
Following her divorce from Murdoch, dePeyster continued to pursue her interests and engage in philanthropic endeavors. She married William Mann in 1999, and remained with him until his death in 2017. In 2019, she married real estate developer Ashton dePeyster. She became known as a socialite in both Palm Beach and Southampton, and was recognized for her commitment to helping children in demand. The New York Post, in its coverage of her death, described her as a “devoted mother, handsome lady, sharp wit, love of writing and lifetime commitment to helping children in need.”
A curious, though ultimately unrelated, detail emerged in reports regarding a 1969 kidnapping case in Britain. According to the Independent, the intended target of the kidnappers who ultimately killed Muriel McKay, the wife of Rupert Murdoch’s deputy Alick McKay, was initially Anna dePeyster. The confusion stemmed from the use of a vehicle belonging to Murdoch.
Financial Settlement and Final Days
The divorce settlement between Anna dePeyster and Rupert Murdoch reportedly totaled $1.7 billion, including $110 million in cash, according to various reports. DePeyster spent her final days in Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by family. She died on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after a prolonged illness. She is survived by her husband, Ashton dePeyster, her three children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The passing of Anna dePeyster marks the end of an era, not only for the Murdoch family but also for those who followed her journey through journalism, literature, and the complexities of a life lived in the public spotlight. The family has not yet announced details regarding memorial services. Further information will likely be released in the coming days as arrangements are finalized.
If you are experiencing grief or loss, resources are available to facilitate. You can reach the Grief Support Network at 1-800-444-HOPE or visit their website at https://www.griefsupportnetwork.org/.
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