As a follower who has witnessed the golden era of talk shows, I cannot help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia and loss at the passing of Phil Donahue, a pioneer whose charm and insightful discussions have left an indelible mark on television history.
88-year-old Phil Donahue, renowned talk show host, passed away on August 18, after a prolonged illness. His wife, actress Marlo Thomas, was with him at the time. In the third hour of TODAY, Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones shared the news about Donahue’s passing on the morning of the 19th.
Donahue and Marlo Thomas had a lovely story to look back on, having been married for 44 years. Their journey began when Thomas, an actress, was invited as a guest on his talk show, “The Phil Donahue Show,” where he earned nine Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host.
Marlo Thomas stated that when she first encountered Phil on the program, there was an immediate spark between them. Furthermore, during the part of the show where Thomas was endorsing her film “Thieves,” it appeared as though they clicked right away.
“You are really fascinating,” Donahue said to Thomas as he grabbed her hand.
On the show, they were modestly praising one another. “You’re fantastic,” she responded. “I said it when we were off-camera, and I want to say it again: you are kind and generous, and you appreciate women, and it’s a joy.” Thomas confessed that he had no idea they would be married in just three years at that moment.
In an intriguing twist, as a lifestyle connoisseur would share, I found myself reminiscing about my own journey when I stumbled upon a fascinating fact from the book “What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life,” co-authored by me and Thomas in 2020. It turns out that my wife, whom you might recognize from her appearance on our show way back in 1972, was there before I even stepped into the spotlight, which happened in 1977. So, it’s safe to say that our first encounter occurred in 1972.
Prior to Thomas, he was wedded to his initial spouse, Margaret Mary Cooney, in 1958. Together, they welcomed five children. Regrettably, their marriage ended with a divorce in 1975.
Prior to his passing in May 2024, Thomas shared with PEOPLE that he and Donahue had been relishing their free time following a pause in their hectic schedules. He mentioned that they were eagerly anticipating resuming their regular lifestyle smoothly.
After Donahue’s death, Marlo Thomas expressed her tribute to him on social media. Additionally, she acknowledged and appreciated the well-wishes and support from her followers and peers in the industry.
Additionally, President Joe Biden honored Donahue and 18 other individuals by bestowing upon them the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May. This award is the nation’s highest honor for civilians.
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2024-08-20 15:27