Iconic Talk Show Host Phil Donahue Dead at 88

Iconic television personality Phil Donahue died on Sunday, August 19. The Today Show first confirmed the news. 

He was 88 years old, and passed away following a long illness. According to a statement from his family provided to Today, Donahue "died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie."

Donahue was a giant in the talk show space, hosting The Phil Donahue Show from 1967–1996 and pioneering a unique format that involved audience participation. His style would influence talk show icons like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres, amongst many others. 

BREAKING: Television icon Phil Donahue dies at 88. pic.twitter.com/hzLlC5p5pb

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 19, 2024

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