Phil Donahue, Talk Show Legend, Dead at 88

Phil Donahue, a legendary talk show host most well-known for his series The Phil Donahue Show, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 18, at the age of 88.

His family shared a statement confirming the sad news to Today, noting that Donahue was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his death, including his wife, legendary actress Marlo Thomas, as well as his children, grandchildren and sister. His dog, golden retriever Charlie, was also by his side.

Donahue passed away at his home, and no word on his cause of death has been shared yet.

Today hosts Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones shared the news on the show and paid tribute to Donahue, with Jones saying, "You know, we overuse sometimes the word trailblazer, but he certainly was, indeed."

Melvin called him a "daytime staple for decades. Pioneering the talk show format that has been replicated so many times since." Donahue hosted The Phil Donahue Show, which ran from 1967 to 1996, for 29 seasons total, and the show was revolutionary for its audience interaction. He won several Daytime Emmys for his hosting duties, as well as a Peabody Award and more.

Earlier this year, President Joe Biden awarded Donahue with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is described by the White House as "the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors."

Donahue is survived by his wife Thomas, whom he married in 1980, his children and more close family members. Thomas is stepmother to the late TV host's five children with ex-wife Margaret Cooney.

After the former couple divorced in 1975, Donahue reportedly retained custody of their four sons, Michael, Kevin, Daniel and Jim, while Cooney allegedly had custody of their daughter, Mary. Despite the arrangement, Donahue and Thomas appeared to have good relationships with all of their children.

Instead of flowers, Donahue's family requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.

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