Paula Zahn, born on February 24, 1956, is a celebrated American journalist and newscaster with a net worth of $18 million as of 2025. Known for her work with ABC News, CBS News, Fox News, and CNN, she currently hosts the true-crime series On the Case with Paula Zahn on Investigation Discovery. At 69 years old, Zahn’s illustrious career spans nearly five decades. She was married to Richard Cohen from 1987 to 2007, with whom she shares three children. While her salary is estimated at $2.1 million annually, her dating life remains private, sparking curiosity among fans.
Early Life and Education: Shaping Paula Zahn’s Journey
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Paula Ann Zahn grew up in a family that moved frequently due to her father’s role as an IBM sales executive. Raised alongside three siblings in Canton, Ohio, and later Naperville, Illinois, Zahn’s early life was marked by adaptability. She attended Washington Junior High School and graduated from Naperville Central High School in 1974. Her passion for journalism was evident early on, complemented by her musical talent as a cellist, earning her a scholarship to Stephens College in Missouri, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1978.
Zahn’s multifaceted background as a musician—she performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops—adds a unique dimension to her story. This blend of creativity and discipline shaped her ability to connect with audiences, a skill that shines in her investigative work.
Career Milestones: From Local News to National Stardom
Zahn’s journalism career began humbly as an intern at WBBM-TV in Chicago. She honed her skills at local stations like WFAA-TV in Dallas and KFMB-TV in San Diego before landing a national role at ABC News in 1987. There, she anchored The Health Show and contributed to Good Morning America. Her move to CBS News in 1990 saw her co-anchor CBS This Morning and cover major events like the 1992 Winter Olympics.
In 1999, Zahn joined Fox News, anchoring Fox Report and launching The Edge with Paula Zahn. Her tenure at CNN began dramatically on September 11, 2001, covering the terrorist attacks. She later hosted American Morning and Paula Zahn Now until her resignation in 2007. Since 2009, Zahn has produced and hosted On the Case with Paula Zahn, a true-crime series that has aired over 100 episodes, cementing her legacy in investigative journalism. Learn more about her career on Wikipedia.
Paula Zahn’s Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success
With a net worth of $18 million in 2025, Zahn’s wealth stems from her long-standing career and real estate investments. Her salary at CNN peaked at $2.1 million annually, and her current role at Investigation Discovery reportedly earns her a similar figure. Unlike many celebrities, Zahn maintains a modest lifestyle, owning properties in New York and Connecticut. Her financial acumen is evident in her real estate ventures, including a $40,000-per-month apartment at The Siena on East 76th Street post-divorce. Explore her financial profile.
Married Life and Divorce: Paula Zahn’s Personal Story
Paula Zahn was married to Richard Cohen, a New York City real estate developer, from 1987 to 2007. The couple met in the early 1980s while Zahn worked in Boston. They raised three children—Haley, Jared, and Austin—in the Jewish faith, reflecting Cohen’s heritage. Their 20-year marriage ended amid controversy, with allegations of Zahn’s affair with Paul Fribourg, a CEO and Cohen’s friend. Zahn filed a lawsuit against Cohen, claiming he mismanaged $25 million of her earnings, though the case was dismissed as a marital dispute.
Post-divorce, Zahn has kept her dating life private. While rumors linked her to Fribourg, no confirmed relationships have surfaced since 2007. Her focus remains on her career and family, as she co-parents her children with Cohen. Read about her personal life.
Current Dating Status: Is Paula Zahn Single?
As of 2025, Paula Zahn appears to be single, with no public information about her dating life. Her discretion contrasts with the media frenzy surrounding her 2007 divorce. Fans speculate about her romantic status, but Zahn prioritizes her professional endeavors and philanthropy, particularly cancer awareness, inspired by her parents’ battles with lymphoma and breast cancer. Her Instagram (@paulazahn) offers glimpses into her work but little about her personal life.
Unique Insights: Zahn’s Impact Beyond Journalism
Zahn’s advocacy for cancer awareness sets her apart. Her father, Norm Zahn, passed away from lymphoma, and her mother, Betty Zahn, survived breast cancer twice. This personal connection drives Zahn’s involvement with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. “Cancer is personal, but it’s also universal,” Zahn once said, emphasizing the importance of accessible treatment information.
Her true-crime series also reflects a unique approach. By interviewing victims’ families and law enforcement, Zahn humanizes complex cases, earning praise for her empathy. A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center noted that true-crime shows like hers influence public understanding of justice, with On the Case cited for its balanced storytelling.
Paula Zahn Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paula Ann Zahn |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1956 |
| Age | 69 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Journalism, Stephens College, Missouri (1978) |
| Occupation | Journalist, Newscaster, Producer |
| Net Worth | $18 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $2.1 million annually (estimated) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Richard Cohen, 1987–2007) |
| Children | Haley Cohen, Jared Brandon Cohen, Austin Bryce Cohen |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 58 kg (127 lbs) |
| Notable Works | On the Case with Paula Zahn, American Morning, Paula Zahn Now |
| Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Awards, Gracie Awards |
| Philanthropy | Cancer awareness (Susan G. Komen, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) |
| Hobbies | Cello, hiking, reading historical fiction, attending concerts |
| Social Media | Instagram: @paulazahn |
Legacy and Future: What’s Next for Paula Zahn?
At 69, Paula Zahn remains a trailblazer. Her plans to expand On the Case and mentor young journalists signal her commitment to evolving media. Her ability to blend empathy with investigative rigor makes her a role model. As she told Variety in 2024, “Journalism is about giving voice to the voiceless, and I’m not done yet.” Zahn’s story is one of resilience, from navigating personal loss to thriving in a competitive industry. Follow her journey on Twitter: @IAMPaulZahn.
