Phil Donahue, the pioneering daytime television host who paved the way for Oprah Winfrey and others, has died. He was 88.
The Cleveland, Ohio native died of an undisclosed illness, ABC News reported.
Donahue started his TV career in Ohio, where he launched his famous and influential talk show.
The Phil Donahue Show started in Dayton in 1967 and entered nationwide syndication three years later.
The show ran for 29 seasons from 1967 to 1992, covering subjects as varied as break dancing and abortion. His first guest was atheist activist Madalyn Murray O'Hair.
The show is credited with setting the template for modern daytime TV. Audience members on Donahue's show were invited to participate in the discussion, which was innovative at the time.
Oprah Winfrey praised Donahue as a trailblazer in a statement on Instagram.
"There wouldn't have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously," Winfrey wrote. "He was a pioneer. I'm glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil."
Donahue didn't shy away from interviewing pariahs like the white supremacist and KKK member David Duke.
"You don't fix racism by throwing a blanket over the people who are racist. Put them on, let's hear them," Donahue said.
Donahue was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May, which is the highest civilian honor an American can receive. He also received numerous Daytime Emmy Awards throughout his career.
The host had five children with his first wife, Margaret Mary Cooney, before divorcing in 1975. He married actress Marlo Thomas in 1980.
"As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you've been sharing," Thomas wrote to her Instagram followers.
"I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends, and I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip."
Donahue is survived by his wife, as well as "his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie," his family said.
