Tag Archives: Oprah

PEOPLE confirmed that the groundbreaking daytime TV vet “passed away peacefully following a long illness”

Stars are remembering groundbreaking daytime TV vet Phil Donahue after his death.

Donahue died at home on Sunday, Aug. 18 at age 88, per a statement shared with PEOPLE. He was surrounded by his wife of 44 years — actress Marlo Thomas — as well as “his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie.”

He “passed away peacefully following a long illness,” the statement concluded, noting that Donahue’s family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.

Following the news of the Phil Donahue Show star’s death,…

“This special will bring together medical experts, leaders in the space and people in the day-to-day struggle to talk about health equity and obesity with the intention to ultimately release the shame, judgment and stigma surrounding weight,” she added.

According to the network, the following questions will be tackled throughout the special’s run time: Who are the medications really intended for? Who is eligible to receive weight-loss drugs? What are the short-term and long-term side effects? What are the supply chain challenges and the impact on those with diabetes? Why is there shame surrounding taking medication, and what is the future of these medicines in our society and culture?