Iconic talk show host, a groundbreaker in the field, passes away at 88 – ‘His show broke RECORDS’
In a statement to Today, his family confirmed the news, stating that the talk show host died following a long illness. During his final hours, he was surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 44 years, actress Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, Michael, Daniel, Kevin, and Mary Rose, his grandchildren, and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie.
The exact caused of death hasn’t been revealed.
Donahue hosted The Phil Donahue Show, later renamed Donahue, for nearly three decades, interviewing celebrities, politicians, and many of the iconic figures of his time, Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, and Dolly Parton among the rest.
Throughout his career, he hosted more than 6,000 episodes and often took on controversial social issues, inviting the audience to take part in the discussions and setting a new format for daytime talk shows.
Donahue was also known as a prominent feminist and supporter of women’s rights since the late 1960s.
His wife took to Instagram to thank her followers “for the beautiful messages of love and support that have been coming in all day, and for the wonderful and generous way that you’ve let Phil and me share our life adventure with you over the years.”
Celebrities, among which Oprah Winfrey, paid their tributes to the man who helped pave the way for other talk-show hosts.
“There wouldn’t have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,” Winfrey wrote alongside a black and white photo of her and the late host. “He was a pioneer. I’m glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil.”
Our thoughts and prayers go to Phil Donahue’s family.
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