Phil Donahue, the groundbreaking TV talk show host, passed away on August 18 at the age of 88. His family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, confirmed his death, saying he died after a long illness, surrounded by his loved ones and his golden retriever.
Phil Donahue started his career in radio in 1959 and changed daytime talk shows with “The Phil Donahue Show,” which became very influential. Sheinelle Jones from “Today” said, “We often use the word trailblazer, but he truly was one.”
In May 2024, Donahue was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, recognizing his outstanding contributions to society.
To honor his memory, the family asks that instead of sending flowers, people make donations to the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
