Marlo Thomas Pays Tribute to ‘My Sweetheart,’ Phil Donahue

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Undated photo of Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas (via Marlo Thomas Archives)

Several hours after the news arrived that the groundbreaking TV talk show host Phil Donahue had died on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88, his wife of more than four decades, Marlo Thomas, posted a tribute to her husband. “I lost my sweetheart last night,” she wrote on August 19 on her Facebook page, while sharing a photo that she described as “one of my favorite photos of Phil and me.” She added that she would be stepping away for social media for a while “to take care of myself.”

Donahue was the longtime host of The Phil Donahue Show, where it debuted in Dayton, Ohio in 1967 before becoming a juggernaut in syndication ultimately running for 29 seasons. Donahue was nominated for 20 Daytime Emmy Awards winning eight for Outstanding Talk Show Host. The legend also earned a Special Recognition Award as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.

Thomas, the daughter of the legendary actor-producer Danny Thomas, came to prominence in 1966 as the star of the TV sitcom, That Girl, is 86. The pair wed in 1980; it was her first marriage and his second. They met when she was a guest on his program in 1977. “Instant chemistry!,” she wrote!

Marlo Thomas’ complete tribute to her husband:

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.

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.

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

P.S. This is one of my favorite photos of Phil and me, taken on vacation.