Phil Donahue Dead: Legendary Talk Show Host Was 88

Legendary talk show host Phil Donahue died Sunday following a long illness. He was 88.

His family told Today in a statement that Donahue 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.

They ask that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers.

He hosted The Phil Donahue Show for 29 seasons from 1967 to 1996. TV Guide ranked Donahue No. 29 on its 2002 list of the 50 greatest television shows of all-time.

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