Provocative talk show host Phil Donahue dies at 88

Donahue died peacefully at home on Sunday after a long, undisclosed illness, according to a family statement first reported by NBC’s Today Show. He was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and wife of 44 years, actress Marlo Thomas. Donahue hosted The Phil Donahue Show, later known as Donahue, from 1967 to 1996, the longest run for a syndicated talk show in the United States. The popular program pioneered the concept of studio audience participation and openly discussed taboo issues like homosexuality and abortion. From interviewing Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke to airing a filmed abortion, Donahue never shied away from controversy. He became known as the King of Daytime Talk and won 20 Emmys for his work.