(KTLA) – Daytime talk show innovator Phil Donahue has passed away, and those personally touched by his legacy are sharing their reactions, and their memories, on social media.
Oprah Winfrey took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt tribute to Donahue.
"There wouldn’t have been an 'Oprah Show' without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously," she wrote. "He was a pioneer. I’m glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil."
Daytime talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael posted to the platform to honor "The King of Daytime Talk." Raphael famously hosted "The Sally Jessy Raphael Show" from 1983 to 2002.
"This is a very sad day… I admired Phil Donahue for so many reasons, and he was one of the finest broadcasters in American television," she wrote. "His show changed the way we talked, what we talked about, and gave a voice to everyone. If there wasn’t a Phil Donahue, there would have never been a Sally Jessy Raphael. Quite simply, Phil was a legend, and his demise is a great loss to the world. My thoughts and prayers go out to Marlo and their family."
English broadcaster Piers Morgan proved that Donahue's reach was global. He called him "one of the true trail-blazing icons of American television." Morgan posted a photo of an interview he had with Donahue years ago on CNN, saying the legendary journalist "lived up to every expectation," and called him "such a clever, interesting man."
Rosie O'Donnell, who famously hosted "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" from 1996 to 2002, added that Donahue was "a beautiful man in every way."
"I will miss him — all my love to Marlo and the grown kids," O'Donnell continued.
Donahue passed away Sunday night surrounded by his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, his children and grandchildren, according to a statement obtained by Today.com.
He was 88 years old.
