Phil Donahue dies at 88: What was the cause of death of the legendary TV talk show host?

The legendary TV talk show host Phil Donahue “passed away peacefully following a long illness” on Sunday night at the age of 88 his family said in a statement.

He died at his home “surrounded by his wife of 44 years Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie,” said the statement. No additional details were given about the cause of his death.

Donahue pioneered the television format of issue-based daytime talk shows and having the studio audience interact directly with asking questions in the late 1960s that made him a household name across the nation. He was not afraid to touch on polarizing topics on his namesake ‘The Phil Donahue Show’.

It was also the precursor to shows like ‘Oprah Winfrey’ who called him a trailblazer. She has said that her show would not have existed if it wasn’t for him showing that “women are interested in more than mascara tips and cake recipes — that we’re intelligent, we’re concerned about the world around us.” He was a self-described feminist who advocated for women’s rights.

His nationally syndicated show won several Daytime Emmys and was a ratings hit. Donahue, along with 18 others, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, by President Joe Biden in May.