Talk show legend dies after lengthy health battle
US talk show host Phil Donahue has died aged 88 after a long illness.
His family announced his death in a statement to People and NBC News.
“Donahue died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie,” they said.
Donahue was dubbed "the king of daytime talk" for being the first to include audiences as part of the talk show, paving the way for other talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres.
He was the host of The Phil Donahue Show for nearly three decades, from 1967 to 1996.
The show tackled controversial issues and topics like equal rights for women in front of a live audience.
In May, he and 18 other honourees received the Medal of Freedom from US President Joe Biden, the nation's highest civilian honour.
Oprah Winfrey has led tributes to the talk show legend, with a post on social media.
"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," she shared, with a photo of a pair embracing during one of their meetings.
"He was a pioneer. I'm glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil."
Former talk show host Ricki Lake also paid tribute to Donahue on social media, saying: "Raising a glass in honor of the great #phildonohue. Phil was an absolute legend and a pioneer in the talk show space.
"So honoured to stand beside him at Oprah's show celebrating talk show icons in 2010. Such a warm, super supportive and brilliant man. Grateful for the path he paved and the legacy he has left behind. May he rest in peace."
Montell Williams, fellow TV host also described him as "a true pioneer" saying, "Phil Donahue, the godfather of talk shows, forever changed the landscapes of television. My thoughts and prayers are with Marlo and his family. Rest in peace, Phil"
This is a very sad day. I admired Phil Donahue for so many reasons, and he was one of the finest broadcasters in American television. If there wasn't a Phil, there would have never been a Sally. My thoughts & prayers go out to Marlo and their family. #RIP #Legend #talkshows pic.twitter.com/knqPeAO6TJ
— Sally Jessy Raphael (@SJRaphael) August 19, 2024
His wife Marlo Thomas, also paid tribute to her husband, with a throwback photo of the pair on holiday.
"I'm sure by now you've heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night, so I know you understand that I'll be stepping away from this page for a while to take care of myself and the many people who took care of Phil, and held him close to their hearts," she shared.
"But I didn't want to disappear without saying thank you 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."
"As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you've been sharing," she continued.
"Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends, and I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip."
Images: Instagram/ X