Phil Donahue, the longtime host of The Phil Donahue Show, has passed away at the age of 88. His family shared with Today on Monday that Donahue died peacefully at his home on Sunday night after a prolonged illness. He was surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas.

Known as the first person to host a television talk show, Phil Donahue was a trailblazer in the industry, leading his show for an impressive 29 years.

In their statement, his family mentioned that his children, grandchildren, sister, and even his golden retriever, Charlie, were all by his side at the time of his passing. The exact cause of death was not disclosed.

The news was shared on air by Today hosts Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones, with Jones emphasizing Donahue’s pioneering role in television. “We overuse the word trailblazer sometimes, but he certainly was, indeed,” she remarked.

Donahue’s family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.

Donahue’s youngest son, James, preceded him in death at the age of 51 due to an aortic aneurysm.

Phil Donahue’s career began in radio in the 1950s before he transitioned to television, launching The Phil Donahue Show in 1967. The show was groundbreaking, being the first to incorporate live audience participation.

After moving the show to a new station in 1974, it was renamed Donahue and continued to air until 1996. Over his broadcasting career, Donahue hosted more than 6,000 episodes and won 20 Emmy Awards, including ten for Outstanding Talk Show Host.

He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1993 and received a Peabody Award in 1980. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Phil Donahue’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from celebrities and fellow talk show hosts. Piers Morgan described him as “one of the true trailblazing icons of American television,” praising his innovation and intellect.

Katie Couric expressed her sadness on Facebook, and Oprah Winfrey, who credits Donahue with paving the way for her own career, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, saying, “There wouldn’t have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue.”

She added, “He was a leader. I’m glad I could thank him. Phil, please rest in peace.” Winfrey also posted an old photo of herself embracing Donahue, honoring his legacy and the impact he had on her life and career.