The 55-year-old TV personality said in a memo that 'it has been a profound privilege to be the anchor of '20/20' for 14 years,' though she didn't detail the reason of her departure.
- Dec 23, 2017
AceShowbiz - Longtime ABC News anchor Elizabeth Vargas is set to leave ABC News in May. Her departure will come at the end of the current season 40 of "20/20", which she has been co-anchoring for 14 years.
ABC News President James Goldston announced her exit on Friday, December 22 in a memo given to staff. Goldston said in the memo that Vargas wanted to "pursue new ventures."
"We were most proud of her courage and grace in telling her own story about her struggle with anxiety and alcoholism," wrote Goldston. "Her best-selling memoir has helped so many people by raising awareness about the importance of finding treatment for millions who are still struggling. She continues to be an inspiration for us all."
Vargas wrote in a note to her colleagues, "I want you to hear some news about me, from me. I will be leaving ABC News, and '20/20' at the end of this historic 40th season."
The 55-year-old TV personality added, "It has been a profound privilege to be the anchor of '20/20' for 14 years, and a true honor to work with each and every one of you." She didn't specifically explain why she left, though.
She also apologized for the bad timing of her announcement. "I am sorry only to have to share this news with you as we celebrate the holidays," she wrote. "This is not goodbye -- I will be here through May, and cannot wait to do more work with all you in the months ahead. Have a happy holiday with your families, and I will see you next year."
Vargas has been open about her anxiety and alcoholism. She detailed her struggle in her 2016 memoir, "Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction", which led her to seek out rehabilitation treatment on several occasions. She said that it was among the reasons behind her divorce from singer/songwriter Marc Cohn.
Vargas joined ABC in 1996 as a news reader on "Good Morning America" before joining the primetime lineup in the following year as the anchor on "World News Tonight". She was named co-anchor on "20/20" later in 2004. She co-anchors the segment with David Muir, who also worked alongside her on "ABC World News Tonight".
Rumor has it, Amy Robach will take over her co-anchoring duty.
