Phil Donahue, the iconic American talk show host, has passed away at 88. His family confirmed the news, sharing that Donahue died peacefully at home on Sunday after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones.

Donahue, often hailed as the “king of daytime talk,” transformed television with The Phil Donahue Show, a groundbreaking program that made its mark on American media. Over his career, Donahue interviewed countless notable figures, including Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis Jr., Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Dolly Parton, and Michael J. Fox.

Born in Cleveland in 1935, Donahue’s media journey began with talk radio and TV in the late 1950s. In 1967, he launched his talk show, which became simply Donahue after moving to Chicago in 1974. The show surged in popularity, particularly after Donahue introduced audience participation—a format that would redefine daytime television.

A true trailblazer, Donahue hosted more than 6,000 episodes over nearly 30 years, pioneering a space in daytime TV for meaningful discussions and addressing issues that resonated with a diverse audience. His show notably appealed to female viewers by moving beyond traditional topics to tackle social issues and current events.

Donahue is survived by his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, whom he married in 1980, along with four children from his first marriage. His lasting impact on television and his contributions to the evolution of talk shows will be celebrated for generations.