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In a surprise revelation, Larry Ellison, the world’s second-richest man with a net worth of $226.9 billion, recently tied the knot with 33-year-old Chinese native Keren Zhu. The announcement came indirectly through a Michigan University football donation statement, ending years of speculation about the identity of the mysterious woman frequently seen by Ellison’s side.
Back in 2017, Reddit threads buzzed with discussions about a mysterious Asian woman who appeared next to Ellison at sporting events. Many assumed she was a relative, a friend, or even a coincidental bystander, as no media coverage shed light on her identity. Years later, her name surfaced in connection with Ellison’s donation to the University of Michigan Wolverines football team.
On December 4, the Wolverines’ Champions Circle, a support group for the team, thanked Ellison and his wife, "Keren Zhu," for their guidance and financial contributions. The statement also included a photo of the couple. This marked the first time Zhu’s identity as Ellison’s fifth wife was publicly acknowledged. Investigations by The Wall Street Journal and others confirmed her background as a University of Michigan alumna with a degree in international studies. Zhu also attended Bard College at Simon’s Rock and was linked to Ellison’s business addresses in property records.
Zhu’s roots trace back to northeast China, specifically Liaoning Province. Social media users in China quickly identified her as a former classmate from Northeast Yucai Foreign Language School, describing her as an unassuming figure during her school years. After high school, Zhu moved to the United States, where she transformed into a confident and ambitious individual. Though details about her family remain scarce, one blogger hinted that Zhu’s marriage represents a significant leap in social status.
Zhu’s journey parallels the stories of other notable figures like Wendi Deng, the former wife of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch. Both women share international educational backgrounds and eventually married vastly older billionaires. However, Zhu’s relationship with Ellison appears to be low-key, with few public appearances or acknowledgments until now.
Ellison’s connection to Michigan football puzzled many, as he had no prior affiliation with the university. Reports revealed that Ellison and Zhu played a pivotal role in helping the Wolverines secure top recruit Bryce Underwood, the nation’s number-one high school quarterback. The couple even participated in a Zoom call with Underwood and his father, where Ellison shared stories from his upbringing on Chicago’s South Side. Zhu expressed her hopes for Michigan’s football team to return to national prominence, showcasing her deep engagement in the project.
Zhu’s influence extends beyond sports. Several insiders suggest she plays a significant role in Ellison’s decision-making processes, reflecting a partnership built on shared interests and mutual respect.
Ellison’s marital history has always been a subject of public intrigue. Before Zhu, the Oracle co-founder had four previous marriages:
● Adda Quinn (1967-1974): Ellison’s first wife left him due to financial instability and his extravagant spending habits. Despite the separation, they maintained a cordial relationship, with Ellison even buying her a house years later.
Adda Quinn
● Nancy Wheeler Jenkins (1977-1978): This short-lived marriage ended amicably, with Jenkins selling her stake in Ellison’s company for a mere $500.
Larry Ellison and Nancy Wheeler Jenkins
● Barbara Boothe (1983-1986): Ellison’s third wife worked as a receptionist at Oracle and bore him two children. Their marriage ended due to Ellison’s workaholic tendencies.
Larry Ellison, the daughter and Barbara Boothe
● Melanie Craft (2003-2010): A romance novelist, Craft’s wedding to Ellison featured Apple’s Steve Jobs as the photographer. Despite their eventual divorce, their union was among Ellison’s most publicized relationships.
Larry Ellison and Melanie Craft
Beyond his marriages, Ellison has dated numerous younger women, cementing his reputation as a "playboy." His past relationship with Ukrainian-born model Nikita Kahn, who was 19 when they met, drew widespread attention due to their significant age gap.
Larry Ellison and Nikita Kahn
Following Zhu’s identification, Chinese netizens were quick to compare her to Wendi Deng. Like Deng, Zhu has been characterized as a smart and strategic woman who successfully navigated cultural and professional barriers. While some praised Zhu’s accomplishments, others speculated about the nature of her relationship with Ellison, particularly given their 47-year age difference.
One commenter remarked, “She’s climbed the social ladder effortlessly,” while another noted, “Marrying someone of Ellison’s stature is no small feat.” However, comparisons to Deng also invited skepticism, as Zhu has maintained a far more private profile.
Unlike Ellison’s previous marriages, his relationship with Zhu seems rooted in shared goals and understated collaboration. From football sponsorships to strategic business moves, Zhu’s presence is shaping Ellison’s ventures in new ways. As more details emerge, the public’s curiosity about Zhu’s influence and background continues to grow.
Wendi Deng and Rupert Murdoch
While Zhu’s marriage to Ellison has sparked debates over age gaps, cross-cultural dynamics, and the nature of ambition, one thing is certain: this union has added yet another fascinating chapter to Larry Ellison’s storied life.
Chinese netizens have shared a mix of admiration and skepticism about Zhu’s rise to prominence. One user commented, “From a small-town girl to the wife of a tech giant, her story is straight out of a movie.” Another joked, “Is she the next Wendi Deng?” Others focused on Zhu’s humble beginnings, with one saying, “She went from being a classmate we barely noticed to someone the whole world is talking about.”
While opinions vary, Zhu’s journey is undeniably remarkable, offering inspiration to some and fueling curiosity in others. For now, she remains a figure of intrigue in both Silicon Valley and beyond.
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