Phil Donahue Dead at 88

Phil Donahue, the longtime host of “The Phil Donahue Present,” has died … his household confirmed.

The media persona’s loss of life was introduced on “The At the moment Present” early Monday morning, the place an announcement was shared from Donahue’s household — together with spouse of over 40 years, Marlo Thomas — who had been by his aspect when he handed away Sunday night following an extended sickness. No additional particulars had been shared into his precipitated of loss of life.

Donahue, who hosted his eponymous discuss present for 29 seasons, was referred to as a trailblazing TV journalist … as he pioneered the daytime TV format we now know.

PH was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the place he spent his adolescence earlier than attending faculty on the College of Notre Dame in Indiana.

Phil began out his profession in radio within the late ’50s, earlier than pivoting his focus to tv … the place he interviewed various influential folks, together with President John F. Kenney, Johnny Carson, Malcom X, amongst others.

In 1967, he based “The Phil Donahue Present” … which was later rebranded to “Donahue” in 1974 after Phil moved the present to Chicago and a brand new station.

He was honored for his storied profession earlier this yr … as he acquired the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden again in Could.

Phil is survived by his aforementioned spouse, youngsters, grandchildren, and beloved golden retriever Charlie.

He was 88.

RIP