Talk show pioneer, Phil Donahue, dies at 88

Phil Donahue, the pioneering TV talk show host known for revolutionising the daytime television landscape, has died at the age of 88. Donahue died Sunday night at home after a long illness, his family confirmed Monday, August 19, to Today.

The statement given by his family said, "Donahue was 88 years old and passed away peacefully following a long illness. Groundbreaking TV talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie."

Three months prior to his



death, Donahue was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, recognising his significant contributions to broadcasting and public discourse.

At the height of his career, his nationally syndicated show, 'The Phil Donahue Show' - later known simply as 'Donahue' - was a ratings powerhouse and set the stage for future talk shows hosted by the likes of Montel Williams and Jerry Springer.

Oprah Winfrey hailed Donahue as a trailblazer, crediting him with inventing intelligent daytime talk and introducing bold, new ideas into the homes of American women across the nation.