John Mellencamp, the 59-year-old American rocker who confirmed that he had split from wife Elaine just six days ago, went public with his new girlfriend Meg Ryan yesterday, reports the UK's Daily Mail. Recent speculation had suggested that Mellencamp was dating the 'Sleepless in Seattle' actress, and the couple were photographed spending time together in Manhattan.
The pair were spotted having lunch in the city before heading off for a tour of the Whitney Museum of American Art. 49-year-old Ryan wore a black jacket and purple scarf, while Mellencamp sported a casual grey sweatshirt and smoked a cigarette. People Magazine report that the pair first began dating seven weeks ago, but that Meg had nothing to do with the breakdown of Mellencamp's marriage. Last week, the rocker's publicist said, "John and Elaine Mellencamp are proud of their 20 years together and are very happy with their accomplishments both as parents and as a family. They will continue to raise their two children in Indiana but have decided to call it a day as a couple".
Ryan was previously married to the actor Dennis Quaid and the couple had one child together before separating in 2000. The actress reportedly began a relationship with Russell Crowe shortly after.