Phil Donahue, the longtime host of the trend-setting TV talk show The Phil Donahue Show, died Sunday evening following a long illness, surrounded by family including his longtime wife, actor Marlo Thomas.. He was 88.

His death was announced on The Today Show this morning. Today shared a statement from Donahue’s family.

Calling Donahue “a daytime staple” who pioneered a format that had been replicated by others, Today hosts noted that Donahue had been presented a Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden just this summer.

Donahue was married to Thomas for more than 40 years, having met when the That Girl star met Donahue when she was a guest on his talk show.

The family statement reads, “Groundbreaking TV talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved Golden Retriever Charlie. Donahue was 88 years old and passed away peacefully following a long illness.”

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