St. Jude mourns loss of Phil Donahue

MEMPHIS, Tennesee (KBTX) – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital laments the passing of television icon Phil Donahue, a pioneer in American media who shaped the format of the modern talk show.

Donahue was married to Emmy Award-winning actress, author and St. Jude National Outreach Director Marlo Thomas, the eldest daughter of renowned entertainer and St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Donahue and Marlo Thomas were married for 44 years.

Throughout the years, Donahue visited St. Jude to spend time with the children and their families as well as participated in numerous dinners and galas and events such as the FedEx St. Jude Championship PGA TOUR golf tournament. Donahue and Marlo Thomas often hosted St. Jude corporate partners and supporters in their home. Danny Thomas often said that when he welcomed Donahue into his family, he gained both a son-in-law and a fundraiser.

Donahue is most well-known as the creator of The Phil Donahue Show, where he shaped the modern talk show by allowing the audience to interact with his guests on a variety of issues spanning entertainment to politics. He especially recognized women who were active voices in their work, communities and on social issues. In fact, he first met Thomas during an interview on his show.

During his career, Donahue won nine Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Host in a Talk or Service Series, and he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 1996. He also won the distinguished Peabody Award in 1980. In 2024, he received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“Phil Donahue’s pioneering work in his field and devotion to the mission of St. Jude has left a lasting legacy that impacted so many,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We are deeply saddened by this profound loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marlo, and the Donahue and Thomas families during this difficult time.”

In lieu of flowers, the Thomas family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund. Visit st.jude.org to learn more about Donahue’s support or make a donation in his memory.