Rupert Murdoch might have ended his marriage via digital message, it is claimed 

Rupert Murdoch might have ended his marriage with Jerry Hall via text message, it has been claimed.

Sources close to the couple said Miss Hall, 65, was ‘shocked’ by the sudden end to their six years together last week.

Friends, however, cited their differing lifestyles and the fact she smokes.

Rumours suggest the billionaire delivered his verdict to Miss Hall electronically, by text or an email. A source said: ‘What is clear is that he did the dumping.’

Representatives for Murdoch refused to comment on the claims last night.

The media mogul, 91, met the model after his split from Wendi Deng, 53, his third wife, in 2013. Miss Hall’s representatives were also contacted for comment.

Rupert Murdoch might have ended his marriage with Jerry Hall via text message, it has been claimed. Sources close to the couple said Miss Hall, 65, was ‘shocked’ by the sudden end to their six years together last week

The couple went public at the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham in London in October 2015 where he was photographed kissing her on the cheek as she beamed with happiness.

They made their first red carpet appearance together at the Golden Globes the following year and friends said at the time: ‘Rupert couldn’t be happier.. He’s not acting like some dotty old man who’s in love with a teenager. He just seems really, really happy. It’s a wonderful thing.’

Miss Hall moved out of the £13million home in Richmond, south-west London, where she had lived since her split with Rolling Stones rocker Mick Jagger.

Mr Murdoch then announced their engagement on Twitter on March 4, 2016, writing: ‘No more tweets for ten days or ever! Feel like the luckiest AND happiest man in world.’ True to his word, he has not tweeted since.

The couple were last seen together in public in London in August last year, when they were pictured arriving separately for a dinner but are understood to have left together.

Friends said Miss Hall, the long-legged Texan extrovert, brought more ‘balance’ to her husband’s life after decades of focus on his businesses.

But since the announcement that they are divorcing, those closest to them have been trying to look for signs of cracks in the relationship.

One of those present at Mr Murdoch’s summer party at the Serpentine Gallery in London last Monday was surprised no to see Miss Hall by his side.

They said: ‘I did think it was odd that she wasn’t there. She’s a social butterfly and would generally be at these sort of functions.

‘I also noticed that none of her side of the family was there, nor her friends.’