'VERY SAD'
Phil Donahue’s wife Marlo Thomas shares her ‘favorite photo’ together in tribute to her ‘sweetheart’ after his death
Including more about their decades-long marriage
PHIL Donahue's wife Marlo Thomas has spoken out about her husband's death.
The star of The Phil Donahue Show died on Sunday night after a long battle with an undisclosed illness.
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He was 88 years old.
His family was first to speak on the unfortunate news on Today on Monday morning.
Phil's loved ones said that he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, sister, and golden retriever, Charlie.
Phil had five children with his first wife, Margaret Cooney: Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James.
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He married Marlo, his second wife, in May 1980.
On her Instagram, Marlo, 86, shared a heartfelt goodbye to her husband.
In the adorable pic, a young Phil and Marlo sat on a blue scooter while smiling wide and enjoying a nice vacation together.
In the lengthy caption, she wrote, "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."
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Before she takes a break from social media, she wanted to share her gratitude for the love and support she received since Phil's death.
She continued, "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."
Phil Donahue dies at 88 after suffering from ‘long illness’
"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," Marlo concluded.
'HE WAS AN AMAZING MAN'
Followers expressed their condolences to Marlo and the rest of the Donahue family.
Comedian Rosie O'Donnell said, "Like everyone I adored him. Only love to you and the children."
I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you've been sharing.
Marlo Thomas
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One follower wrote, "My sincerest condolences, Marlo.
"You and Phil are one of the great love stories."
"My heart goes out to you! So very sorry for the loss of Phil. You will be in my thoughts and prayers," another commented.
A third said, "So sorry for your loss he was an amazing amazing man."
"May he rest in peace! Such a trailblazer and my favorite of all daytime hosts," someone else exclaimed.
THEIR LOVE STORY
Since getting married, the couple has been together for 44 years.
The two met on The Phil Donahue Show in the late 1970s when Marlo was a guest.
In 1977, Marlo appeared on the show to promote her movie Thieves.
On TV, viewers got to see the two's "instant chemistry," as said by Marlo.
"You are really fascinating," Phil told Marlo while grabbing her hand.
Marlo replied, "You are wonderful.
"I said it when we were off the air and I want to say, you are loving and generous and you like women and it’s a pleasure.
"Whoever is the woman in your life is very lucky."
They married three years later.
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During an interview with Drew Barrymore in 2021, Marlo recalled falling in love with Phil on his talk show.
"We just clicked ... I just loved his confidence," she said.
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