The Key to Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas's 43-Year Marriage Was "Listening, Love, and Lust"

On Aug. 18, 2024, well-known talk show host and journalist Phil Donahue died at the age of 88. Much of his life was marked by his pioneering of the daytime talk show format, interacting with his studio audiences in a way that hadn't been done before (and setting the stage for the current format we know and love).

Phil's first marriage was to his childhood sweetheart, Margaret Cooney; the pair had five children throughout their relationship. But after their divorce in 1975, Margaret stepped away from the public eye and Phil met his next wife just two years later.

Phil and actor Marlo Thomas had a solid love story, spanning more than 40 years. Here's a breakdown of their relationship timeline.

Phil and Marlo first met in 1977 when Marlo was a guest on The Phil Donahue Show, the daytime talk show that made him a "trailblazer" of the modern talk show format.

Their on-screen chemistry was obvious from the get-go, as Phil even proclaimed during the segment "You really are fascinating," grabbing Marlo's hand as he said it.

"You are wonderful! I said it when we were off the air, but I want to say you are loving and generous, and you like women, and it's a pleasure!" Marlo responded. "Whoever is the woman in your life is very lucky."

When they began their relationship, it was long distance for a time, as Phil lived in Winnetka, Ill., and Marlo lived in Los Angeles. Eventually, they settled on New York City and moved in together.

The pair then wed in 1980, tying the knot even after Marlo admitted she'd held some reservations about getting marriage. And from there it was smooth sailing. In an interview with E! News, the pair attribute their long-lasting marriage to "listening, love and lust" — and good communication, of course.