Losing a partner must be devastating. Losing one you’ve shared a life with for over 40 years, like Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas, must be truly unimaginable.
On Aug. 18, Donahue, the groundbreaking TV host and journalist, passed away at 88 years old following a long illness, his family said in a statement to the Today Show. Now, a few days after his passing, his widow, Thomas, broke her silence and shared a heartbreaking statement on Instagram.
“I’m sure by now you’ve heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night, so I know you understand that I’ll be stepping away from this page for a while to take care of myself and the many people who took care of Phil, and held him close to their hearts,” the actress wrote in the caption.
In the photo, Thomas shared “one of my favorite photos” of them, an old picture of her and Donahue smiling while riding a Vespa together.
“But I didn’t want to disappear without saying thank you for the beautiful messages of love and support that have been coming in all day, and for the wonderful and generous way that you’ve let Phil and me share our life adventure with you over the years,” Thomas continued. “As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you’ve been sharing.”
“Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends, and I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip,” she ended.
In the comments, fans are pouring in their support for Thomas, who tied the knot with Donahue back in 1980.
“You were each spectacular individually, and together,” wrote one fan. “It was just magic. Thank you for the meaningful glimpses you’ve shared into your love story. You two just lit up the space where ever you were.”
“He made a difference – for good in this world,” wrote fellow actress Mia Farrow. “Sending so much love to you dear Margo. I am sorry for your loss. ????”
Donahue and Thomas first met during an appearance on his show, The Phil Donahue Show, in 1972. Eight years later, they tied the knot.
Prior to Thomas’ heartbreaking post, Thomas shared snippets of their life together, including a throwback photo with Donahue in July. “Here’s a sweet #throwback! Phil and me aboard the Mugsy, summer of 2009!” she wrote in the caption. “It’s hard to believe this was 15 years ago, it feels like yesterday. We still love to watch the sunset whether on land or water! #TBT”
Two weeks earlier, she shared a black-and-white picture of their early days together. “I love this shot! Phil and I had only met a few months before on his show in Chicago. Then he came to visit me at my house in Beverly Hills. Here we are in my backyard. Sparks continued to fly!” she wrote. “They still do! How lucky are we?!” Lucky doesn’t even begin to describe it!
Before you go, click here to see the longest celebrity marriages.
