Phil Donahue, the iconic TV talk show host, passed away on Sunday night, August 18, at 88 after a long illness. His family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, confirmed his death in a statement shared with “Today,” where Donahue was a regular in the ’80s. Surrounded by his family and beloved golden retriever, Donahue’s passing marks the end of a remarkable legacy.
Donahue was a trailblazer in daytime talk shows, revolutionizing the format with audience participation. “The Phil Donahue Show” became one of the most influential programs of its time. “You know, we overuse sometimes the word trailblazer, but he certainly was, indeed,” said Sheinelle Jones on “Today.”
In 2002, Donahue returned to TV with an MSNBC show, which was canceled after a few months. His contributions were recognized in May 2024 when President Joe Biden awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His family requests donations to the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his honor.
