Marlo Thomas honors her late husband, Phil Donahue, following his passing at 88. The couple shared over 40 years of marriage and a deep love, as Thomas reflects on their life together.
Bollywood Fever: Marlo Thomas has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Phil Donahue, following his passing at the age of 88. In an emotional Instagram post shared on Monday, August 19, Thomas, 86, expressed her sorrow and gratitude, along with a throwback photo of the couple.
“Hello, Friends. I’m sure by now you’ve heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night,” Thomas began. 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.
Thomas, who had been married to Donahue for 44 years, went on to thank everyone for their “beautiful messages of love and support” during this difficult time. She expressed her deep appreciation for the fans who welcomed her and Donahue into their lives 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. Love, Marlo.”
Along with her message, Thomas shared one of her favorite photos of herself and Donahue from a European vacation, capturing the couple smiling together on a scooter.
Earlier that day, news broke that Phil Donahue, the legendary host of “The Phil Donahue Show,” had “passed away peacefully following a long illness,” as confirmed by a statement from his family. Thomas was by his side during his final moments, along with his sister, children, grandchildren, and their beloved golden retriever, Charlie.
Friends and colleagues also took to social media to remember Donahue. Kelly Ripa, a close friend of the couple, shared a touching tribute on Instagram: “Good friends are hard to come by and even harder to lose,” Ripa wrote, accompanied by a photo of herself with Thomas, Donahue, and her husband Mark Consuelos. “To a life well lived.”
Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s love story began in 1977 when Thomas appeared as a guest on Donahue’s talk show. Reflecting on their instant connection, Thomas recalled during a 2021 appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “It was kind of love at first sight. Something chemical happened.”
Their enduring relationship led them to launch the podcast “Double Date with Marlo Thomas & Phil Donahue,” where they shared insights into maintaining a happy and healthy marriage. Their bond, built over more than four decades, remains an inspiring testament to love and partnership.
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