Phil Donahue dies at 88 after suffering from ‘long illness’

LEGENDARY television host Phil Donahue has died at the age of 88.

The longtime host of The Phil Donahue Show passed away on Sunday night after battling a long illness, his family confirmed on Today on Monday.

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The TV pioneer hosted his talk show for 29 seasons.

Phil died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas .

The family’s statement noted that his children, grandchildren, sister, and golden retriever, Charlie, were also by his side.

No further details on Phil’s cause of death were released.

Today hosts Craig Melvin , 45, and Sheinelle Jones , 46, announced the news on air, with Sheinelle reiterating what a “trailblazer” the host was.

“You know, we overuse sometimes the word trailblazer, but he certainly was, indeed,” she said.

In place of flowers, his loved ones requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.

Phil was pre-deceased by his youngest son, James Donahue, who died at the age of 51 from an aortic aneurysm.

TV PIONEER PHIL

Phil became a pioneer in television, with his show becoming the first to include live audience participation.

He started his career in radio in the 1950s before heading to TV, where he launched The Phil Donahue Show in 1967.

The program was later rebranded to Donahue in 1974 after the host moved the show to a new station.

The show ran until 1996, with the Cleveland native hosting over 6,000 episodes.

During his broadcast career, Phil received 20 Emmy Awards , including 10 for Outstanding Talk Show Host and 10 for The Phil Donahue Show.

Other honors included the Peabody Award in 1980 and an induction into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1993.

You know, we overuse sometimes the word trailblazer, but he certainly was, indeed.”

Sheinelle Jones Today host

Earlier this year, Phil also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.

Phil’s life will surely be remembered at this year’s Emmys, which will air on September 15.

TRIBUTES POUR IN

Phil’s death has been met with heartfelt words from fellow celebrities and hosts, including Piers Morgan , 59.

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“One of the true trail-blazing icons of American television,” Piers wrote on X .

“He hosted over 6,000 talk shows, and was the first to interact with a studio audience. Interviewing him for CNN a few years ago lived up to every expectation.. such a clever, interesting man,” he added.

Journalist Katie Couric , 67, also said she was “so sad to hear this news” in a Facebook post on Monday morning.

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey , 70, noted how much Phil influenced her career.

“There wouldn’t have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,” she wrote on Instagram .

“He was a pioneer. I’m glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil.”

Oprah’s tribute came alongside a throwback image of her hugging the TV legend.

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