Phil Donahue, a television personality who rose to fame for changing the face of TV’s daytime talk shows, has recently died at the age of 88. He passed away on Sunday night at his residence with his family after a long illness.

His death is a great loss and brings an end to an era in the media industry, especially American television.

Phil Donahue’s Career And Achievements

Phil Donahue’s career is renowned for his innovations in the television talk show genre. He started The Phil Donahue Show in 1967, which marked the beginning of a new style of talk shows with a live audience and the discussion of topical problems.

His ideas influenced the development of future talk shows and became the epitome of interactive media.

Donahue received eleven Daytime Emmy Awards, of which nine were for the Outstanding Host. He started doing his show in Ohio, but it was later aired across the country, and he tackled many social issues with no hold barred. This audacious attitude turned his program into a ratings giant and a voice to reckon with in daytime television. 

Personal Life And Marriage

Donahue was born in Cleveland in 1935, and his private life was devoted to his family. He was first married to Margaret Mary Cooney in 1958, with whom he has five children. The couple separated in 1975 and finally divorced. Donahue married Marlo Thomas in 1980, whom he had met during the shooting of an episode of his show.

They had a very public marriage, and they stayed married for 44 years until his death. Donahue is survived by his wife, Thomas, his children from the first marriage, grandchildren, and a golden retriever named Charlie. 

Phil Donahue Cause Of Death

Phil Donahue died on Sunday night after a long illness but the details of his illness were not revealed by his family. He died at home, with his family around him: his wife, children, and grandchildren.

His death has been received with a lot of tributes and people reminiscing on how much he contributed to television and media. 

Memorials And Tributes

Instead of flowers, Donahue’s family has asked that people make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund. These organizations were dear to Donahue and his family, which shows his concern for philanthropy.