Marlo Thomas Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late Husband Phil Donahue
Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Actress Marlo Thomas has expressed her deep sadness following the passing of her beloved husband, Phil Donahue, at the age of 88.
On Monday, Thomas took to social media to share a heartfelt message, accompanied by a throwback photo of the couple. “Hello, friends. I’m sure by now you’ve heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night,” she wrote. “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.”
Thomas extended her gratitude to fans for the outpouring of love and support, stating that she didn’t want to take time away until she thanked everyone for their “beautiful messages of love and support.” She expressed her appreciation for allowing her and Donahue, who had been married for 44 years, into their lives 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,” she continued. “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.”
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Thomas also shared a cherished photo of herself and Donahue from a European vacation, showcasing the couple’s joy and love for each other as they posed on a scooter.
Earlier that day, news broke that the veteran talk show host had passed away peacefully following a long illness, surrounded by his loved ones, including Thomas, his sister, children, grandchildren, and their golden retriever, Charlie.
Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Kelly Ripa, a close friend of the couple, paid tribute to Donahue on social media, saying “Good friends are hard to come by and even harder to lose. To a life well lived.”
Donahue and Thomas exchanged vows in 1980, three years after meeting on the set of his eponymous talk show. The actress recalled their instant connection, stating, “It was kind of love at first sight. Something chemical happened.”
In 2021, the couple launched their podcast “Double Date with Marlo Thomas & Phil Donahue” to share their insights and secrets for maintaining a happy and healthy relationship.
Throughout their 44-year marriage, Thomas and Donahue were a shining example of love and commitment, inspiring countless fans and friends with their unwavering devotion to each other.
