CNN —
Following the news of Phil Donahue’s death on Sunday, his wife, Marlo Thomas, is sharing some of her memories of him.
Ms Thomas posted a picture of the pair sitting on a scooter on social media, writing: “This is one of my favourite photos of Phil and I from our holiday.”
“I know by now you’ve heard the very sad news that I lost my loved one last night, so I hope you all understand that for myself and for the so many of you who cherished and loved Phil so dearly, I will be stepping away from this page for a while,” Thomas wrote. “However, I did not want to disappear without thanking you for all the beautiful messages of love and support that have come in throughout the day, and for the incredible and generous ways in which Phil and I have allowed you to share life’s adventures with all of you over the years.”
The couple were married for 44 years.
“Phil built his career on loving audiences and thoroughly enjoyed his welcoming little community here and will be touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you have all shared,” Thomas continued.
A video surfaced on Monday of her appearance on his talk show in 1977. Thomas was there at the time to promote her film “Thieves,” and at the end, Donahue held her hand and said, “You’re really attractive.”
“You’re amazing,” she responded. “And as I said at the end of the broadcast, you’re a loving, generous person, you love women, and I’m so glad for you. Whoever the woman is in your life, you’re so lucky.”
They married three years later.
Thomas shared the video on his YouTube channel in 2012, writing, “I met Phil on the Donahue Show in 1977. We hit it off instantly!”