Larry Ellison Marriages: Inside The Oracle Founder's Personal Life

When people look at Larry Ellison, they usually see the tech titan who built Oracle into a global software powerhouse. Yet behind his massive corporate empire and fortune, Ellison's personal life has attracted intense public curiosity for decades. His romantic history is defined by six marriages, high-profile divorces, and a lifestyle that often mirrors Hollywood cinema rather than traditional corporate culture.

Understanding Ellison requires looking beyond quarterly earnings reports. His romantic choices trace a direct line from his early struggles as a programmer in California to his status as one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet.

The Early Marriages and Pre-Oracle Years

Long before Oracle dominated enterprise databases, Ellison married his first wife, Adda Quinn, in 1967. During this era, Ellison was moving through various technical jobs in Berkeley and San Francisco, trying to find his footing. The marriage lasted seven years, ending in divorce in 1974 as Ellison grew increasingly consumed by computer programming and early tech ventures.

Shortly after his first divorce, Ellison met Nancy Wheeler Jenkins. They married in 1977, the exact year Oracle was incorporated (then operating under a different name). This union was brief, dissolving in 1978. Before the company exploded in value, Jenkins famously signed away any financial claims to Oracle shares for a nominal cash payout of five hundred dollars, missing out on an eventual multi-billion-dollar stake.

Barbara Boothe and Family Life

In 1983, Ellison married Barbara Boothe, a former receptionist at his company. This marriage lasted until 1986 and produced two children:

• David Ellison: Founder and CEO of Skydance Media, a major film production company behind blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick.
• Megan Ellison: Founder of Annapurna Pictures, an independent film studio known for critically acclaimed movies like Her and Zero Dark Thirty.

Unlike Ellison's previous wives, Boothe shared a family chapter with the billionaire that resulted in enduring public figures. Though the marriage ended after three years, both children carved out massive success in Hollywood, largely independent of their father's software shadow.

Melanie Craft and High-Profile Nuptials

By the early 2000s, Ellison was a multi-billionaire with a penchant for Japanese-inspired architecture and luxury yachts. In December 2003, he married romance novelist Melanie Craft at his sprawling Woodside, California estate.

The wedding drew considerable media attention due to its famous guest list and participants. Representative Tom Lantos officiated the ceremony, and Ellison's close friend—Apple co-founder Steve Jobs—served as the official wedding photographer. Despite the high-profile start, the marriage ended in divorce in 2010. Craft reportedly signed a prenuptial agreement, keeping the terms of their separation private.

Later Relationships and Recent Marriages

Following his divorce from Craft, Ellison entered a long-term relationship with Ukrainian model and animal rights activist Nikita Kahn. The couple married in 2015, though they separated in late 2016 before their divorce was finalized in 2020. During their time together, Ellison remained dedicated to supporting her philanthropic and personal ventures, even naming a high-end Malibu restaurant after her.

In recent years, Ellison's personal life shifted once more. He married Jolin (Keren) Zhu, an alumna of the University of Michigan. The couple was publicly identified as married, bringing Ellison's total number of marriages to six. Zhu has accompanied the tech mogul to major public events and high-profile sporting venues, including tennis tournaments at Indian Wells.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times has Larry Ellison been married?

Larry Ellison has been married six times. His spouses include Adda Quinn, Nancy Wheeler Jenkins, Barbara Boothe, Melanie Craft, Nikita Kahn, and Jolin Zhu.

Does Larry Ellison have children?

Yes, he has two children, David Ellison and Megan Ellison, from his marriage to Barbara Boothe. Both are prominent film producers in Hollywood.

What is Larry Ellison's net worth?

Ellison consistently ranks among the top tier of the world's richest individuals, driven primarily by his massive equity stake in Oracle and significant investments in companies like Tesla.

Where does Larry Ellison live?

Ellison owns numerous high-end properties, including a Japanese-style estate in Woodside, California, extensive real estate in Malibu, and the vast majority of the Hawaiian island of Lānaʻi.