Phil Donahue, Talk Show Host, Dies at 88

Phil Donahue, a successful national talk show host who entertained, challenged, and informed two generations of daytime television viewers, passed away on Sunday night after a lengthy illness, his family confirmed to “Today.” He was 88 years old.

The groundbreaking, topic-focused “The Phil Donahue Show” was nationally syndicated in 1969, renamed “Donahue” in 1974, and eventually expanded to over 200 stations nationwide. The show aired until 1996.

In 1993, Donahue was honored with induction into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame, and he received an ATAS lifetime achievement award in 1996.

Donahue is survived by his second wife, Marlo Thomas, whom he wed in 1980, as well as five children from his first marriage.

Variety first reported.