There’s something truly inspiring about a love story that lasts decades. Late talk show legend Phil Donahue and his wife, Marlo Thomas, shared just that—a remarkable 44-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and mutual admiration. The couple tied the knot in 1980, and their bond only grew stronger with each passing year. Unfortunately, Phil passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and devotion.

How Phil and Marlo’s Love Story Began

It all started in 1977 when Marlo appeared as a guest on Phil's groundbreaking talk show. From the moment they met, there was an undeniable chemistry between them. During the interview, Phil couldn’t help but describe Marlo as "fascinating," setting the tone for what would become one of Hollywood’s most enduring romances.

Reflecting on their meeting, Marlo once said, "I kissed a lot of frogs, so I wasn’t even looking for love. But when I went on Phil’s show, everything changed. I fell head over heels for him." Their connection was immediate and genuine, and it only grew stronger as the years went by.

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One thing that set Phil and Marlo apart was their ability to communicate openly and honestly. Early in their relationship, they faced some challenges, but they worked through them together. "We used to argue passionately," Marlo admitted. "But as time went on, we learned to disagree in a way that brought us closer rather than driving us apart. That’s the key to any successful marriage."

Phil’s Supportive Role in Marlo’s Career

Marlo, best known for her iconic role in That Girl, often credited Phil for being her biggest supporter. In a world where many partners can be jealous or unsupportive, Phil stood out as someone who genuinely believed in Marlo’s dreams. "So many people don’t have that kind of partner," she explained. "They end up with someone who puts them down or isn’t invested in their success. But Phil always encouraged me. Whenever I had a crazy idea, he’d say, ‘Go for it! You’ll be amazing.’"

Marlo cherished this unwavering support and believed it was one of the reasons their marriage thrived. "Phil made me feel like I could conquer the world," she said. "And I’ll always be grateful for that."

Life Together During the Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Marlo and Phil found themselves spending more quality time together at home. For Marlo, this period was a blessing in disguise. "Quarantine forced us to slow down and appreciate each other even more," she told People magazine in April 2020. "We discovered how wonderful it was to just hang out, watch TV, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. We called it ‘Netflix and Phil.’"

Even as life returned to its usual hectic pace, Marlo and Phil remained committed to maintaining their slower rhythm. "We’re determined to keep things calm and cozy," she added. "Nothing beats curling up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and your favorite person by your side."

phil donahue marlo thomas marriage — Mark Sagliocco/FilmMagic

Phil’s Family Life Before Marlo

Before meeting Marlo, Phil was married to Margaret Cooney, with whom he had five children: Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James. After their divorce, Phil’s four sons moved in with him, while his daughter stayed with her mother. When Marlo entered the picture, she embraced her role as a stepmom with grace and kindness.

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"I married a man who already had a full life," Marlo recalled. "He belonged to so many people, and I had to figure out how to fit into that world. It wasn’t easy, but I loved Phil, and his kids were amazing, so I dove right in."

Marlo took a unique approach to building relationships with Phil’s children. Instead of trying to replace their mother, she became their friend. "Growing up, my mom was always my confidante," Marlo explained. "She was someone I could talk to about anything, and I wanted to offer the same thing to Phil’s kids. I’m proud to say that those friendships have only grown stronger over the years."

Saying Goodbye to a Legend

In August 2024, Phil’s family announced his passing after a long battle with illness. He was surrounded by loved ones, including Marlo, his sister, his children, grandchildren, and even his beloved golden retriever, Charlie. According to a statement shared with Today, Phil lived a life filled with purpose and compassion, leaving behind a legacy of love and integrity.