Actress Marlo Thomas has paid a touching tribute to her late husband, legendary talk show host Phil Donahue, who passed away at 88 after a long illness. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Thomas shared a photo of the couple’s joyful moments and expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
![Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas were married 44 years.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/phil-donahue-marlo-thomas-attend-87985971.jpg?w=683)
Thomas, known for her iconic roles in “That Girl” and “Friends,” described Donahue as her “sweetheart” and acknowledged the impact of his passing. She announced that she would be taking a break from social media to care for herself and those who loved Phil dearly.
![Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue at the Emmys in 1996.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/marlo-thomas-phil-donahue-emmy-87986059.jpg?w=1024)
The couple’s 44-year marriage was a testament to their enduring love, which began with a chance meeting on Donahue’s show in 1977. Thomas fondly recalled their “love at first sight” encounter and praised Donahue’s kind heart and generous spirit.
![Phil Donahue interviewing Marlo Thomas in 1977.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/phil-donahue-marlo-thomas-aired-87986116.jpg?w=1024)
![Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/actress-marlo-thomas-pays-tribute-87985840.jpg?w=1024)
As a renowned talk show host, Donahue welcomed countless notable guests and broke ground with his interviews, including a historic conversation with Nelson Mandela. His legacy continues to inspire, and Thomas’s tribute is a poignant reminder of the love and admiration they shared.
![Phil Donahue talking.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/emmy-award-winning-talk-show-87986132.jpg?w=1024)
In her post, Thomas thanked fans for allowing them to share their life journey and expressed her appreciation for the warm messages and memories shared on social media. She concluded with a heartfelt message, wishing everyone “good health, happy days, and cherished moments with loved ones.”