Current:Home > StocksMarlo Thomas thanks fans for 'beautiful messages' following death of husband Phil Donahue-InfoLens
Marlo Thomas thanks fans for 'beautiful messages' following death of husband Phil Donahue
View Date:2024-12-23 16:34:05
The world loved Phil Donahue, and Marlo Thomas is giving that love back.
Thomas, who was married to the talk show icon for over 40 years, spoke out for the first time since Donahue's death via an Instagram post Monday.
The "That Girl" actress shared a throwback photo of the couple vacationing together. Thomas wrapped her arms around Donahue as they sat on a moped.
"I'm sure by now you've heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night, so I know you understand that I'll be stepping away from this page for a while to take care of myself and the many people who took care of Phil and held him close to their hearts," Thomas wrote in a lengthy caption.
Donahue, whose pioneering "The Phil Donahue Show" revolutionized TV with studio audience participation on topical social issues, died Sunday at the age of 88 following a "long illness."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Marlo Thomas says Phil Donahue 'would be very touched' by fan tributes
In her Instagram post, Thomas thanked fans for their "beautiful messages of love and support" and "for the wonderful and generous way that you've let Phil and me share our life adventure with you over the years."
"As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you've been sharing," she wrote.
Phil Donahue dies:Pioneering daytime TV host was 88
Thomas appeared on Donahue's eponymous talk show in 1977, and it led to immediate sparks. The couple got married three years later on May 21, 1980.
"We went out the very next night and were together from then on," Thomas told USA TODAY in a 2020 interview. "It’s so interesting. I went on a lot of talk shows in my life. I didn’t fall in love with Johnny Carson, you know?"
Thomas and Donahue even co-wrote a book inspired by their longtime union with 2020's "What Makes a Marriage Last."
Stars pay tribute to Phil Donahue:Oprah Winfrey honors 'pioneer' broadcaster
"Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends," Thomas concluded on Instagram. "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."
Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY
veryGood! (61)
Related
- See Megan Fox, Machine Gun Kelly, Brian Austin Green and Sharna Burgess' Blended Family Photos
- United Nations Official Says State Repression of Environmental Defenders Threatens Democracy and Human Rights
- Northern California battered by blizzard, Sierra Nevada residents dig out: See photos
- NASCAR Las Vegas race March 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for Pennzoil 400
- Channing Tatum Drops Shirtless Selfie After Zoë Kravitz Breakup
- Barry Keoghan Cheers on Sabrina Carpenter at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Singapore
- Actor Will Forte says completed Coyote vs. Acme film is likely never coming out
- 'Dune: Part Two' ending explained: Atreides' revenge is harrowing warning (spoilers ahead)
- Gun groups sue to overturn Maine’s new three-day waiting period to buy firearms
- Here are our 10 best college podcasts in America
Ranking
- Jason Statham Shares Rare Family Photos of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Their Kids on Vacation
- Caitlin Clark makes 2 free throws to break Pete Maravich’s NCAA Division I scoring record
- Kristin Cavallari Claps Back at Criticism Over Her Dating a 24-Year-Old
- Stock market today: Japan’s Nikkei tops 40,000, as investors await China political meeting
- Man waives jury trial in killing of Georgia nursing student
- As an opioids scourge devastates tribes in Washington, lawmakers advance a bill to provide relief
- The enduring story for Underground Railroad Quilts
- In-N-Out hopes to expand to every state in the Pacific Northwest with Washington location
Recommendation
-
Insurance magnate pleads guilty as government describes $2B scheme
-
You Won’t Believe All the Hidden Gems We Found From Amazon’s Outdoor Decor Section for a Backyard Oasis
-
Organization & Storage Solutions That Are So Much Better Than Shoving Everything In Your Entryway Closet
-
Caitlin Clark breaks Pete Maravich's all-time scoring record as Iowa beats Ohio State
-
Blake Shelton Announces New Singing Competition Show After Leaving The Voice
-
Here are our 10 best college podcasts in America
-
Mall fire in Bangladesh capital kills at least 43, including women and children, health minister says
-
Actor Will Forte says completed Coyote vs. Acme film is likely never coming out