A TV pioneer has passed away…
Phil Donahue, the journalist largely credited with the modern format of issue-based daytime talk shows featuring audience participation, died at his home following a long illness according to a report from The Today Show.
Donahue died at his 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 TODAY.
Donahue hosted a dayside talk show throughout the 1980s in which he regularly discussed pop cultural and political trends that defined the form of daytime talk show programming that followed. Donahue, an outspoken progressive, became a regular figure in the early days of cable news.
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President Joe Biden awarded Donahue and 18 others the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May. The medal is the country's highest civilian honor, and is presented to “individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” according to the White House.
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📺💔 Rest in peace, Phil Donahue. The trailblazing talk show host who revolutionized daytime TV with his issue-driven, audience-engaged format has passed away at 88. Our thoughts are with his family. 🙏❤️ #PhilDonahue #TVLegend