Marlo Thomas recently issued a message on social media in which she discussed the death of her cherished husband. This comes after she and Phil Donahue’s family released a statement confirming his passing.
Hollywood star Marlo Thomas addressed the loss of her cherished husband, well-known TV personality Phil Donahue, in a heartfelt Instagram post. Thomas wrote on August 19 and added a heartfelt photo of the two along with it, which brought back memories of her own. The message is sure to make you cry.
“Hello, Friends. 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,” the actress began.
Thomas continued by saying that she wants the world to know how incredibly appreciative she is to have gotten “beautiful messages of love and support” from so many people before taking her break to heal.
The “That Girl” actress also kindly thanked Donahue’s and her fans for enabling the pair to share their incredible life experiences with them over the years.
She recalled how her late husband enjoyed being a part of the neighborhood where he and Thomas lived. He was well-known for his love of his audience.
“I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you’ve been sharing,” said Thomas. She continues her heartfelt message by wishing everyone good health and happiness, which she hopes they will all share with their loved ones.
“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,” Thomas expressed.
She exclaims about the lovely photo she posted, in which she and Donahue are seen having a fun scooter ride together while on vacation, at the conclusion of her caption. She referred to it as one of her best images with Donahue.
As previously stated, Marlo Thomas’ touching statement follows our earlier announcement that Donahue passed away on Sunday night, August 18, at the age of 88.
Thomas, his devoted wife of 44 years, and his family acknowledged his departure in a statement they provided to “Today”—a program he frequently appeared on throughout the 1980s.
The longtime TV chat show presenter has passed away following a protracted illness, according to his family. The only information that Donahue’s family has provided thus far is that he passed away with his beloved golden retriever, his wife, kids, grandchildren, and sister by his side.
“Today’s” On Monday morning, August 19, Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones shared the heartbreaking news during a program. Having started his career back in 1959, Donahue leaves behind an amazing legacy in addition to his loved ones. Prior to TV, he worked in radio.
Donahue was one of the first to include shows that involved audience interaction, making him a pioneer of the present style of issue-based daytime talk shows. Unprecedented success led to “The Phil Donahue Show” emerging as one of the most significant TV shows of its time.
The television icon made a comeback to television in 2002, hosting the MSNBC program “Donahue.” However, a few months after its premiere, the show was canceled. Apart from his TV endeavors, Donahue was bestowed with a distinguished accolade by President Joe Biden in May 2024.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, reportedly the greatest civilian award in the United States, was given to him and eighteen other recipients.
A statement about the award made by the White House explains that the honor is bestowed upon “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”
In lieu of flowers, Donahue’s family asked that donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund in recognition of the enduring influence Donahue made during his life.
“You know, we overuse sometimes the word trailblazer, but he certainly was, indeed,” Jones expressed in the announcement.
RIP, Phil Donahue, my dear. We pray for the late star’s family and loved ones to find comfort during this difficult time of loss as they lament the passing of such a bright light in the world.