Legendary daytime talk show host Phil Donahue dies at 88 on August 18th.
Donahue’s family said in a statement, “Groundbreaking TV talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie... and passed away peacefully following a long illness.”
Donahue was known as the “King of Daytime Talk” and pioneer of the daytime talk show. His show, “The Phil Donahue Show” debuted in 1967 and aired for 29 years, making it one of the longest running talk shows in history and had nearly 7,000 episodes. Donahue was known for covering controversial issues as well as hosting celebrity guests. He paved the way for Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, Ricki Lake, Sally Jesse Raphael and Geraldo Rivera.
Donahue won 20 Emmy Awards, which include 10 for Outstanding Host, and 10 for “The Phil Donahue Show” itself. President Biden also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Donahue in May 2024.
The Donahue family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.
Donahue is survived by his wife and four children from his first marriage.
By - FZ
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