Marlo Thomas gives rare comment on how she’s coping after loss of husband Phil Donahue a year after his death

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It’s been over a year since the death of beloved talk show host Phil Donahue, and his wife, Marlo Thomas, is now sharing how she’s coping with her loss.

‘I miss him a lot,’ the 88 year-old actress said while appearing on the Today show Tuesday.

I was really touched when Thomas mentioned Sheinelle Jones. It’s so heartbreaking – she lost her husband, Uche Ojeh, to brain cancer just this past May, and he was only 45. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot.

Thomas, the national outreach director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, shared that she’s doing well, comparing her current state to that of Sheinelle Jones. Jones affectionately called Thomas her ‘earth angel,’ and Thomas expressed her gratitude.

I still can’t believe it! Seeing her on TV today felt…surreal. It’s been over fifteen months since we lost her – August 18th, 2024 feels like yesterday – but it was like she was right there, shining as always. She was the star of ‘That Girl,’ and honestly, a total icon. It just meant so much to see her remembered.

According to a statement released at the time, Donahue died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones – including his son Thomas, his children, grandchildren, sister, and dog.

Thomas appeared on television for the first time since her spouse’s passing on Monday, debuting a new facility at St. Jude’s Research Center. This was only her second public appearance since the loss.

Thomas returned to TV on Monday to showcase the hospital’s new Family Commons.

This space offers young patients a fun and relaxing environment where they can play games, create art and music, and even get pampered with hair and nail services.

I’ve always admired the work at St. Jude, and I’m so impressed by Thomas, who carries on her father Danny Thomas’s legacy. She’s the National Outreach Director, and really dedicates herself to expanding the hospital’s reach and helping even more children.

Oh my gosh, you would NOT believe this place Thomas built! He walked me through it, and it’s just… magical. He’s filled it with EVERYTHING to help these kids, who are going through so much, just forget about being sick for a little while. It’s all about letting them be kids again, and honestly, it’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. He really thought of everything!

The idea came from both the parents and the kids,” Thomas explained. “They realized there wasn’t a dedicated space for play, art, or music. We even have a beauty salon, because kids really care about their hair!”

Thomas explained that because children today have such busy schedules, art therapy helps them regain a sense of control. He noted that it allows them complete freedom of expression – they can create however they want, even painting directly on the walls!

Our primary focus is to save a child’s life, and then help them regain a good quality of life. We want to restore their childhood as much as possible.

Doctors aren’t allowed in this area either—it’s a place for fun and games, not medical care. There are no medical professionals or supplies available here.

This is the first time she’s been on television since her spouse passed away, but she has been gradually returning to public life.

She made her first public appearance since the death of Donahue in May, attending Family Equality’s Night at Pier Sixty in New York City.

Thomas shared on Instagram that he was deeply saddened to announce the passing of his beloved partner the night before.

I’m taking a break from this page to focus on my own well-being and support those who loved and cared for Phil.

The 86-year-old actress explained that she wanted to express her gratitude for the wonderful messages of love and support she’d received throughout the day, and didn’t want to leave without doing so.

Thank you for so kindly sharing in Phil and my journey over the years.

She went on to say that Phil, who always loved performing for people, really enjoyed our online community. She knew he’d be deeply moved by all the kind memories and messages everyone has been sharing.

In a heartfelt message before leaving, Donahue’s wife wished everyone good health and happiness surrounded by loved ones. She expressed hope that they would continue to treasure their closest relationships, just as she was fortunate enough to do with her husband, Phillip.

She signed the photo ‘Love, Marlo’ and posted a throwback picture of them enjoying a European vacation.

‘P.S. This is one of my favorite photos of Phil and me,’ she wrote. ‘[T]aken on vacation.’

After the news, many people shared their condolences with the woman who had been married to Donahue for 44 years.

They first met in 1977 while filming an episode of Donahue’s show, where Thomas appeared as a guest.

Thomas and she married three years after first meeting, having felt an immediate connection, she shared in a 2015 Facebook post.

Oh my gosh, it feels like a dream, but it really happened! I actually met Phil Donahue – the Phil Donahue – back in 1977 on his show! I was on ‘Donahue,’ and it was incredible. And get this – I’m still acting and producing even now, all these years later, and I was telling people about it at the time, how amazing that whole experience was!

‘He flirted, I giggled, and his TV audience watched us fall in love.’

The couple would then marry in 1980.

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2025-11-26 18:55