Elizabeth Vargas is one of the most recognizable names in broadcast journalism, known for her steady presence on ABC News and 20/20. Behind her public career, her personal life—including her marriage to singer-songwriter Marc Cohn and her subsequent relationship—has navigated intense public scrutiny, personal health battles, and professional transitions. If you're looking for an accurate look at her marital history, family life, and how she managed adversity, here is the complete story.
Born in 1967, Vargas built a decades-long career as an investigative reporter and news anchor. Her public life intersected with high-profile relationships, most notably her marriage to Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Marc Cohn. Their relationship, subsequent divorce, and her journey through personal recovery and single motherhood formed a narrative of resilience that resonated with many viewers.
Early Life and Career Milestones
Before examining her personal life, it helps to understand the scope of her professional trajectory. Vargas graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. She worked local news stations before joining ABC News in 1996, eventually co-anchoring World News Tonight and 20/20.
Her high-profile career placed her constantly in the public eye. Reporting on breaking global crises, political scandals, and investigative reports required intense emotional detachment on camera, even as she faced profound challenges in her private life.
Marriage to Marc Cohn
In October 2002, Elizabeth Vargas married Grammy-winning musician Marc Cohn in a private ceremony. Cohn is best known for his 1991 hit single "Walking in Memphis."
During their marriage, the couple had two sons, Zachary and Samuel. For years, they appeared to share a stable household in Manhattan, balancing demanding schedules in television and the music industry. However, public life often conceals private struggles.
Facing Personal Struggles Together
Throughout her marriage and career, Vargas battled severe anxiety and alcoholism. In late 2013, she publicly announced that she was entering a treatment center to deal with her addiction. During this vulnerable period, Marc Cohn and her family supported her recovery process.
Addiction is a family disease, and public figures face unique pressures when private struggles become front-page news. Vargas later detailed her ongoing recovery in her 2016 memoir, Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction, describing how candid conversations and structured support helped her navigate sobriety.
Divorce and Moving Forward
Despite efforts to sustain their partnership, Vargas and Cohn divorced in 2014 after twelve years of marriage. Both parties handled the split with relative discretion, focusing primarily on the well-being of their two sons.
Divorce after long-term marriage brings profound life adjustments. For Vargas, the separation coincided with significant career shifts, including stepping away from daily network anchoring to pursue other storytelling platforms, such as hosting America's Most Wanted on Fox and launching her podcast.
Resilience, Advocacy, and New Chapters
Following her divorce and successful treatment for alcoholism, Vargas transformed personal adversity into public advocacy. She became a prominent board member and spokesperson for organizations focused on addiction recovery and mental health, including Partnership to End Addiction.
She frequently speaks about the stigma surrounding addiction, emphasizing that recovery is an ongoing practice rather than a single destination. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities helped humanize broadcast news anchors, who are traditionally expected to project infallible authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elizabeth Vargas married to?
Elizabeth Vargas was married to singer-songwriter Marc Cohn from 2002 until their divorce in 2014.
How many children does Elizabeth Vargas have?
She has two sons, Zachary and Samuel, shared with her ex-husband Marc Cohn.
What is Elizabeth Vargas best known for?
She is best known for her extensive career in broadcast journalism, notably serving as an anchor and correspondent for ABC News and co-anchoring 20/20.
Has Elizabeth Vargas written any books?
Yes, she published a memoir titled Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction in 2016, detailing her struggles with anxiety and alcoholism.
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