Absolutely devastating! VERY SAD LOSS Legendary Talk host

Phil Donahue, renowned as the “king of daytime talk,” passed away at the age of 88 on August 18 at his residence in Manhattan after a prolonged illness. His family has confirmed the news, stating that he was surrounded by loved ones, including his wife of 44 years, actress Marlo Thomas, along with their children and grandchildren. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed.

Marlo Thomas expressed her gratitude to followers on Instagram for their support, indicating that she would be taking a break from social media to focus on her well-being following the loss of her husband. Numerous celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, have paid tribute to Donahue, acknowledging his influential role in the evolution of daytime talk shows. Winfrey remarked that the existence of The Oprah Show would not have been possible without him.

Donahue hosted The Phil Donahue Show for nearly thirty years, during which he interviewed prominent figures such as Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, and Dolly Parton. He produced over 6,000 episodes, frequently tackling contentious social issues and allowing audience participation.

Born in Cleveland in 1935, Donahue commenced his media career in the late 1950s, with his talk show premiering in 1967. He relocated the program to Chicago in 1974, rebranding it as Donahue. Recognized for his advocacy of women’s rights and his groundbreaking contributions to talk television, Donahue’s legacy continues to hold great significance.