TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Talk show host Phil Donahue has died at age 88, according to TODAY .
“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,” a statement from the Donahue family, obtained by TODAY, said.
Donahue “passed away peacefully following a long illness,” according to his family.
A daytime television staple for decades, Donahue was the creator and host of The Phil Donahue Show, which pioneered the talk show format and was the first to include audience participation.
Donahue’s family requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund in his memory, according to TODAY.
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