Phil Donahue, the pioneering talk show host and husband of Marlo Thomas, passes away at the age of 88

Phil Donahue, an innovative TV host known for the nationally syndicated “The Phil Donahue Show,” passed away at 88 after a long illness surrounded by family including his wife, Marlo Thomas. He paved the way for daytime talk shows with a focus on important issues, breaking traditional entertainment-focused formats, and paving the way for hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Montel Williams. Donahue was a trailblazer who brought new ideas into American living rooms and focused on empowering women by showcasing their intelligence and interests beyond traditional topics. He advocated for women’s rights and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1993. Donahue was also recognized with a Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year. Away from interviewing entertainers, Donahue was a self-described feminist and advocate for women’s rights, noticing the mistreatment of women in the workplace. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund were requested by loved ones. Donahue’s legacy as a TV pioneer who addressed tough issues in understandable language and made a lasting impact on American television will be remembered.

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