Phil Donahue, the legendary talk show host, has passed away at 88.
The news of his death was shared on Monday’s episode of the Today show. They read a statement that said, “Groundbreaking TV talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren, and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie. Donahue was 88 years old and passed away peacefully following a long illness.” They didn’t share the exact cause of his death.
Watch the announcement here:
BREAKING: Television icon Phil Donahue dies at 88. pic.twitter.com/hzLlC5p5pb
— TODAY (@TODAYshow)
BREAKING: Television icon Phil Donahue dies at 88. pic.twitter.com/hzLlC5p5pb
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 19, 2024
Marlo Thomas posted a heartfelt message on Instagram about her husband’s passing. She wrote, “I’m sure by now you’ve heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night, so I know you understand that I’ll be stepping away from this page for a while to take care of myself and the many people who took care of Phil, and held him close to their hearts.”
She continued by saying thank you for all the love and support they’ve received. “As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you’ve been sharing,” she added.
Thomas ended her message with warm wishes: “Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends, and I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip.”
Phil Donahue was a huge part of daytime TV for almost three decades. His show started in 1967 and went nationwide in 1970. It covered topics like abortion, civil rights, consumer protection, and war. The show aired for 29 seasons until Donahue retired in 1996.
In 2002, he made a brief comeback with an MSNBC show called Donahue. It lasted only eight months before being canceled in March 2003.
Throughout his career, Donahue won 20 Emmy Awards! This included ten Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Talk Show Host and six for Outstanding Talk Series. In 1993 he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. He even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.
Fans will miss him dearly.
