The most beloved television host passed away this morning.
Phil Donahue, the legendary talk show host, has passed away at 88. His family confirmed he died peacefully at home on Sunday after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones.
Known as the “king of daytime talk,” Donahue created The Phil Donahue Show, hosting over 6,000 episodes and interviewing iconic figures like Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, and Dolly Parton. His media career began in the late 1950s, but he gained fame with his groundbreaking talk show, which launched in 1967 in Dayton, Ohio, and later moved to Chicago.
Donahue was a pioneer in audience participation and addressed social issues, changing the landscape of daytime television. He is survived by his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, and four children. His legacy as a television innovator will be remembered for generations.
