Marlo Thomas Takes a Step Back This Year
Marlo Thomas wasn’t present for St. Jude’s Thanks & Giving segment on Today this year, marking the first time in over two decades that she’s missed the cherished tradition. It’s been a tough year for Marlo, and viewers understood her absence after the passing of her beloved husband, Phil Donahue. “For the first time in the 21 years of our series, Marlo is not with us this morning,” Savannah Guthrie shared with viewers during a Monday, November 25, episode of the show. “She’s taking some time off after the loss of her beloved husband, Phil Donahue.”
Family Legacy Continues With Tony Thomas
While Marlo wasn’t there, her brother, Tony Thomas, stepped up to represent the family’s legacy during the segment. The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founded by their father, Danny Thomas, in 1962, holds a special place in the hearts of the Thomas family. Tony was there to ensure the annual tradition continued despite Marlo’s absence.
Phil Donahue, Marlo’s husband of 44 years, passed away on August 18 at the age of 88 following a prolonged illness. His family issued a heartfelt statement at the time, expressing their love and gratitude for his life.
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How Is Marlo Doing?
During the segment, Hoda Kotb asked Tony how Marlo, 87, was coping with her grief. “She loved her guy,” Tony explained. “That was a 44-year marriage that was a true love affair. Everyone who called me said, ‘I can’t believe their marriage was such a love affair and the chemistry.’ It was … they were very, very close, and I believe it’s going to be a while before she can handle this.”
Marlo’s Relationship With Phil’s Kids
Marlo and Phil married in 1980, and Phil already had five children—Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James—from his first marriage to Margaret Cooney. Marlo spoke openly about their family dynamic in a 2011 interview with AARP. “From the very first day, I decided that I was not going to try to be a ‘mother’ to Phil’s children in the traditional sense—they already had a mom—but, instead, to be their friend,” she explained. “When I was growing up, my mother was always a friend to my siblings and me (in addition to being all the other things a mom is), and I was always grateful for that because I knew she was someone I could talk to and joke with, and argue with, and that nothing would ever harm that friendship. So I used that model with Phil’s kids, and I’m proud to say that the friendships I established with them are as strong today as they were 30 years ago—maybe even stronger.”
The That Girl alum released a heartfelt statement on Instagram after her husband’s passing earlier this year. “Hello, Friends. I’m sure by now you’ve heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night, so I know you understand that I’ll be stepping away from this page for a while to take care of myself and the many people who took care of Phil, and held him close to their hearts,” she wrote on August 19.
“But I didn’t want to disappear without saying thank you for the beautiful messages of love and support that have been coming in all day, and for the wonderful and generous way that you’ve let Phil and me share our life adventure with you over the years,” she continued. “As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you’ve been sharing.”
“Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends, and I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip,” Marlo concluded. “Love, Marlo. P.S. This is one of my favorite photos of Phil and me, taken on vacation.”
