Phil Donahue, the legendary US talk show host, has passed away at the age of 88. His family confirmed the news, stating that Donahue died peacefully at home on Sunday after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones.

Widely regarded as the “king of daytime talk,” Donahue created and hosted *The Phil Donahue Show*, a program that left an indelible mark on television history. Over nearly three decades, Donahue hosted more than 6,000 episodes and interviewed some of the most iconic figures of the time, including Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, and Dolly Parton.

Donahue’s media career began in the late 1950s, but it was in 1967 that he launched his groundbreaking talk show. Originally based in Dayton, Ohio, the show moved to Chicago in 1974 and quickly gained popularity, especially after Donahue began incorporating audience participation. This innovative format became a staple in daytime television.

Donahue’s approach to talk shows catered to a wide audience, particularly women, who appreciated the show’s “meaningful discussions about the world around them.” His show was one of the first to address social issues, helping to change the landscape of daytime television.

He is survived by his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, and four children. Donahue’s legacy as a pioneer in television and his contribution to the evolution of talk shows will be remembered for generations.

Phil Donahue, the nation’s most cherished television host, passed away this morning at the age of 88. His family confirmed the news, announcing that Donahue had died peacefully at home on Sunday after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones.

Known as the “king of daytime talk,” Donahue’s impact on television history cannot be overstated. For nearly three decades, he hosted *The Phil Donahue Show,* a program that became a cultural phenomenon. With over 6,000 episodes under his belt, Donahue interviewed some of the most iconic figures of his time, from Nelson Mandela to Muhammad Ali to Dolly Parton.

Donahue’s career in media began in the late 1950s, but it was in 1967 that he truly made his mark with the launch of his groundbreaking talk show. Starting in Dayton, Ohio, the show later moved to Chicago in 1974 and gained even more popularity as Donahue began to incorporate audience participation, a revolutionary concept at the time that would become a staple in daytime television.

His approach to talk shows, focusing on meaningful discussions about the world around us, resonated with a wide audience, particularly women. Donahue’s show was one of the first to tackle social issues, paving the way for a new era of television that addressed important topics and connected with viewers on a deeper level.

Donahue is survived by his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, and their four children. His legacy as a pioneer in television and his contributions to the evolution of talk shows will be remembered for generations to come. Today, we mourn the loss of a true television icon, but we also celebrate the incredible legacy that Phil Donahue leaves behind.