A Love Story That Started on TV

When Marlo Thomas first crossed paths with Phil Donahue back in 1977, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight—or even close to it. "I kissed a lot of frogs, so I wasn’t even looking," Marlo hilariously shared with Closer Weekly in their latest issue, which is now available on newsstands. "I went on Phil’s television show, and that’s how we met. But you know what? I fell in love." Sometimes, the most unexpected moments can lead to the most beautiful beginnings.

Marlo and Phil’s journey began when their paths crossed during a taping of Phil’s iconic talk show. What started as a casual meeting blossomed into a relationship that would last nearly four decades. Imagine that—two powerhouse personalities finding each other in the middle of all the chaos and noise of show business. It’s the kind of story that reminds us to keep an open heart, even when we least expect it.

Building a Strong Foundation Together

After dating for two years, Marlo and Phil tied the knot in May 1980. Over the years, they’ve built a solid foundation for their marriage, one that’s rooted in trust, respect, and good communication. Marlo credits their enduring bond to learning how to navigate the ups and downs of life together. "In the beginning, we argued hot and heavy because we were in more of a power struggle," she recalls. "But as the years went by, we settled into debating or arguing in a better, calmer way." That’s the beauty of a long-term relationship—it’s about growing together and learning from each other.

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Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue — Shutterstock

Listening Beyond Words

As Marlo and Phil grew closer, they discovered what truly makes their relationship tick. For Marlo, it’s all about listening—not just to the words someone says, but to what they might not be saying. "It’s hard for men to express themselves—especially a guy raised in the '40s and '50s," she explains. "I was always offering my husband advice, and after about 10 years, he finally told me, 'I don’t want you to tell me what to do, I just want you to listen.'" That was a game-changer for Marlo. It taught her the importance of truly hearing her partner, without judgment or unsolicited advice.

Marlo’s proud of what she and Phil have built. "I’m proud of my marriage," she gushes. "I married a really decent, good man." And Phil feels the same way. He believes the secret to a lasting marriage is simple: wanting it. "You have to want [it]," Phil tells Closer. Now, the couple is sharing their wisdom in a new book, What Makes a Marriage Last, set to release in May 2020. It’s like they’re saying, "Hey, here’s what we’ve learned—take it or leave it, but maybe it’ll help you too."

A Partnership That Inspires

Marlo knows how lucky she is to have found someone who supports her unconditionally. "A lot of people don’t have a good partner. They marry someone who puts them down or is abusive in some way or isn’t really invested in making their dreams come true," she reflects. "But no matter what cockeyed idea I get in my head, my husband will always say, 'You ought to do that! You’ll be great at that.' I’m very grateful for that blessing." Isn’t that the kind of partner we all dream of having? Someone who believes in you, even when you doubt yourself.