Talk show icon Phil Donahue dies at 88

Phil Donahue, who flipped the script for daytime television by tackling controversial issues in front of a live audience, has died after a long illness, his family announced in a statement on Monday to People and NBC News.

Phil Donahue, who flipped the script for daytime television by tackling controversial issues in front of a live audience, has died following a long illness, his family announced in a statement on Monday. He was 88. “Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie,” his family said in a statement to CNN. The news of his passing was met with surprise and grief by many, including fellow talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who paid tribute to Donahue on social media. “There wouldn’t have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,” Winfrey wrote. “He was a pioneer. I’m glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil.” The legendary host fronted “The Phil Donahue Show” for nearly three decades, from 1967 to 1996.