Phil Donahue, celebrated as the “King of Daytime Talk,” passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88, as confirmed by PEOPLE. His family shared in a statement that the Emmy-winning host of *The Phil Donahue Show* died at home after a prolonged illness, surrounded by loved ones, including his wife of 44 years, actress Marlo Thomas, along with his sister, children, grandchildren, and his cherished golden retriever, Charlie.
The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.
Donahue, born on December 21, 1935, in Cleveland, began his media career in the late 1950s through talk radio and television. He launched his iconic talk show in 1967 in Dayton, Ohio, earning acclaim for addressing provocative issues, including a memorable week-long series from the Ohio state penitentiary in 1971.
His show specifically focused on significant issues like child abuse within the Catholic Church, feminism, and race relations. It was the first to allow audience questions directed at guests. In 1974, after moving the show to Chicago and renaming it simply *Donahue*, he found a vibrant audience that contributed to the show’s success.
The show transitioned to New York City in January 1985, continuing to innovate in daytime television by featuring politicians, activists, actors, and musicians. Notable moments included five episodes taped in the Soviet Union in 1987 and an interview with Nelson Mandela in 1990, marking his first appearance on a talk show via satellite from Zambia.
Throughout his career, Donahue hosted numerous prominent guests, including Sammy Davis Jr., Elton John, and Muhammad Ali. He won 20 Emmy Awards, paving the way for many future daytime hosts, including Oprah Winfrey, who acknowledged his influence in her magazine.
Donahue’s talk show aired for 29 years before concluding in 1996. He later returned to television in 2002, hosting a new program named *Donahue*, but it was canceled the following year due to low ratings. He made a documentary titled *Body of War* in 2007 after his second show.
Donahue married Marlo Thomas in 1980 after they met when she appeared on his show. They co-authored a book on maintaining a successful marriage, highlighting the importance of love, communication, and desire.
In May 2024, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden. Survived by Thomas and four children from his first marriage, Donahue is predeceased by his son Jim, who passed away in 2014.