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Phil Donahue Dies At 88
Legendary daytime talk show host Phil Donahue has died at the age of 88.
In a statement, his family says Donahue "passed away peacefully following a long illness", surrounding by family including his wife, actress Marlo Thomas.
Donahue began his TV career in the 1950s, and launched The Phil Donahue Show in 1967. In 1974, he shortened the name to Donahue and added a live studio audience - an innovation that would change daytime TV forever.
Donahue remained on the air for 29 years and won 20 Emmy Awards before ending in 1996. He later hosted a short-lived show on MSNBC.
Earlier this year, Donahue was honored by President Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.