Marlo Thomas Shares First Update After Phil Donahue's Death

In a heartfelt interview that has touched the hearts of many, legendary actress and activist Marlo Thomas has opened up about her life in the wake of losing her beloved husband of 44 years, Phil Donahue. The 88-year-old icon made her first television appearance since Donahue's passing, offering a poignant update on her journey through grief.

A First Look at Life After Loss

Appearing on the Today show as part of their annual Thanks and Giving series, Thomas broke her silence about the profound loss she has experienced. "I'm doing well. I'm like Sheinelle," she shared, drawing a parallel to fellow Today host Sheinelle Jones, who also lost her husband to cancer in May.

Thomas's vulnerability resonated with viewers as she added, "Thank you. I miss him a lot." The exchange highlighted the shared experience of grief between two prominent women in the public eye, creating a moment of connection and mutual support.

The Enduring Legacy of a 44-Year Marriage

Thomas and Donahue's love story began in 1977 when she appeared as a guest on his groundbreaking talk show. Their chemistry was immediate, with Thomas famously telling him, "You are wonderful! I said it when we were off the air, but I want to say you are loving and generous, and you like women, and it's a pleasure. Whoever is the woman in your life is very lucky."

The couple married in 1980 and built a life filled with mutual respect, shared values, and profound affection. Their connection was so deep that they co-authored a book in 2020 titled What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life, offering wisdom from their own experience and others.

The Three Ls of a Lasting Marriage

In a 2023 interview with People magazine, Thomas shared the secret ingredients to her enduring marriage to Donahue: "love, listening, and lust."

"You have to listen, and then you'll know what the other person is really thinking and going through. You have to love each other. And without lust, you don't have anything," she explained. "He's the best. I'm very lucky."

This candid revelation offered a refreshing perspective on maintaining passion and connection in a long-term relationship, resonating with couples everywhere.

Remembering Phil Donahue

Donahue passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88. The family's statement at the time revealed that he died "peacefully following a long illness" in his home, surrounded by Thomas, their children, grandchildren, his sister, and their beloved golden retriever, Charlie.

Following his death, Thomas took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to her late husband. "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," she wrote.

Continuing a Legacy of Giving

Despite her personal grief, Thomas has remained committed to her role as the national outreach director at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the institution founded by her father, Danny Thomas. While she missed her usual appearance on Today during the 2024 holiday season to mourn her husband, she returned this year to continue the important work of raising awareness and funds for the hospital.

Thomas's resilience and dedication to St. Jude's mission demonstrate the strength of her character and the values she and Donahue shared throughout their lives together.

Looking Forward

As Thomas continues to navigate life without her husband of 44 years, her honesty about grief and her connection with others who have experienced similar losses offers comfort and inspiration. Her story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing our relationships while we have them.

In sharing her journey, Marlo Thomas honors not only her own experience of loss but also the remarkable life and legacy of Phil Donahue, leaving behind a testament to a love that truly stood the test of time.