Recovering TV anchor Elizabeth Vargas is spending time with WABC/Channel 7 manager Dave Davis as she continues her fight to maintain sobriety and divorces husband Marc Cohn.
Vargas earlier this year completed a second stint in rehab for alcohol addiction and is back at work at ABC’s “20/20.” Meanwhile, she is going through a divorce with her husband of 12 years, “Walking in Memphis” songwriter Cohn.
TV sources say Vargas has been seen out in New York with Davis, the former No. 2 at ABC News and the current manager of WABC New York.
A source tells us of Vargas’ friendship with Davis: “He is a treasured friend, and they have known each other for a long time because they both work at ABC News.”
The source added, “Elizabeth has been going through a difficult time in her life, and they are not dating. She is focused on her sobriety and recovery and is not ready for a new relationship.”
Cohn, 55, and Vargas, 52, were introduced by Andre Agassi at the US Open in 1999 and they married in 2002.
She gave birth to their first son, Zachary, six months later. Their second son, Sam, was born in 2006.
Vargas sought treatment in a rehab facility in fall 2013, before signing a new contract with ABC.
In August, she voluntarily entered rehab again after realizing she needed further help to maintain her sobriety while on vacation in California.
She said at the time, “I am committed to battling and addressing this debilitating disease and want to thank everyone who has offered their unwavering support during this trying time.”
Cohn has remained supportive of Vargas despite their split and rumors that he cheated with a mutual friend, which he denied.
We’re told he and Vargas are going through divorce mediation, but papers have not yet been signed.
He told People in March, “Addiction and recovery are serious challenges, and it’s been a tough road for all of us . . . I have been supportive of Elizabeth in the past — and will continue to be — regardless of the longstanding issues in our relationship.”
An ABC rep for Vargas declined to comment.