Kelly Ripa took to social media to honor her dear friend Phil Donahue after his passing on August 18. In a heartfelt post, she shared just how much Phil meant to her and countless others. “Good friends are hard to come by and even harder to lose,” she wrote alongside a touching photo featuring herself, her husband Mark Consuelos, Phil, and his wife, Marlo Thomas. “To a life well lived. We love you Marlo and will miss Phil eternally 💔 #ripphildonahue.”
Phil Donahue: A Life Lived Fully
Phil Donahue, who passed away at the age of 88 after a long illness, left behind not only a remarkable career but also a beautiful legacy of love with his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas. His family shared the news of his passing with Today, revealing that Phil was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and even his beloved golden retriever, Charlie, during his final moments at home. It’s a reminder of the importance of family and love in life’s toughest times.
Marlo Thomas Reflects on Their Love Story
Just a month before Phil's passing, Marlo Thomas took a moment to reminisce about their early days together. On July 11, she posted a throwback photo of the two of them on Instagram, captioning it, “I love this shot! Phil and I had only met a few months before on his show in Chicago. Then he came to visit me at my house in Beverly Hills. Here we are in my backyard. Sparks continued to fly! They still do! How lucky are we?!” Their love story is one for the ages, a testament to the power of connection and commitment.
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Phil Donahue’s Lasting Impact on Television
For many in the world of television, Phil Donahue was more than just a colleague—he was a mentor and an inspiration. Kelly Ripa, now 53, is among those who have been profoundly influenced by Phil throughout her broadcasting career. Not only did he shape the landscape of talk shows, but he also demonstrated what it means to maintain a loving, lasting marriage. Over the course of 29 years, Phil led his namesake talk show, breaking barriers as the first to incorporate audience participation. His efforts earned him multiple Emmy Awards, cementing his status as a true pioneer in the industry.
Messages of Love and Remembrance
Comments poured in under Kelly’s tribute, with fans and peers alike expressing their admiration for Phil. One person remarked, “The man who taught us all so much. What a legend he is. I will never forget him,” while another added, “So perfectly stated. Phil’s voice is such a vivid memory of my youth. May he rest peacefully.” It’s clear that Phil’s influence extended far beyond the screen, touching the lives of those who watched him.
Tributes from Across the Industry
Other stars joined Kelly in paying tribute to Phil Donahue, including Sarah Jessica Parker. In her Instagram post, Sarah Jessica wrote, “Phil Donahue, we loved you. Thank you for multiple decades of smart, funny, informative and often very brave television. We honor you, your work and your devotion to your audience. To @marlothomas and his family, my sincere condolences. RIP and Godspeed. X, SJ.” Her words capture the sentiment felt by so many in the industry.
Today alum Katie Couric also shared her thoughts on Instagram. “The Phil Donahue Show, which premiered in 1967 in Dayton, Ohio, gained credibility and acclaim for tackling controversial topics like child abuse in the Catholic Church, feminism, and race relations,” she wrote. “It was the first show to allow audience members to ask guests questions. Donahue won 20 Emmy Awards and paved the way for so many other daytime talk show hosts. He will be missed.”
Piers Morgan Joins the Tributes
Piers Morgan also paid homage to Phil on X, saying, “RIP Phil Donahue, 88. One of the true trail-blazing icons of American television. He hosted over 6,000 talk shows, and was the first to interact with a studio audience. Interviewing him for CNN a few years ago lived up to every expectation… such a clever, interesting man.” Phil’s influence continues to resonate with those who admired and respected him.
