Meet Phil Donahue's Wives- Marlo Thomas and Marge Cooney

Phil Donahue, a pioneering figure in American television, left an indelible mark on the talk show format and became a household name through "The Phil Donahue Show." While his professional life is well-documented, his personal life, particularly his relationships with his two wives, Marge Cooney and Marlo Thomas, also played a significant role in shaping his life.

Today here in this we will talk about the lives of these two remarkable women and their influence on Donahue's journey.

Also read:

• Phil Donahue’s Daughter
• Phil Donahue Net Worth
  

Marge Cooney (first wife married: 1958)

Marge Cooney was Phil Donahue's first wife, and their relationship began long before Donahue became a television icon. The couple tied the knot in 1958, when Donahue was just starting his career. Cooney, originally from New Mexico, was known for her quiet demeanor and dedication to her family. Together, they had five children: Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James.

Their marriage spanned 17 years, during which Donahue's career began to take off. The couple lived in Centerville, Ohio, a quiet suburb where they raised their children. Their home was across the street from the famous humorist Erma Bombeck, who would become one of Donahue's close friends.

However, as Donahue's career grew, so did the strains on their marriage. The demands of his work and the growing attention he received in the public eye took a toll on their relationship. In 1975, the couple divorced, and Cooney moved back to New Mexico, where she remarried and stepped away from the public spotlight.

Despite their separation, Cooney remained a significant figure in Donahue's life. She provided a stable foundation for their children and ensured that they were shielded from the challenges that came with being in the public eye. After her move to New Mexico, Cooney led a private life, focused on her family and personal interests.

Marlo Thomas (married 1980)

Five years after his divorce from Marge Cooney, Phil Donahue found love again with actress and philanthropist Marlo Thomas. They married on May 21, 1980, marking the beginning of one of Hollywood's most enduring marriages.

Marlo Thomas, best known for her role in the groundbreaking sitcom "That Girl," was already a well-established figure in the entertainment industry when she met Donahue. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and they became a power couple known for their mutual respect and shared values.

Unlike Donahue's first marriage, his relationship with Thomas was in the public eye from the beginning. The couple frequently appeared together at events and on television, where they openly discussed their marriage and the challenges they faced as a blended family. Thomas brought her own unique perspective to their relationship, having grown up in a showbiz family as the daughter of famed comedian Danny Thomas.

Together, Donahue and Thomas focused on philanthropy, particularly through their work with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which was founded by Thomas's father.

Their shared commitment to social causes, women's rights, and progressive ideals became a cornerstone of their relationship. Despite not having children together, the couple remained deeply connected to their extended families and the causes they supported.

FAQs

Here are some most frequently asked questions about his wife;

1. Who is Marlo Thomas?

Marlo Thomas is an American actress, producer, and social activist best known for her role in the TV show That Girl. She is also the wife of the late talk show host Phil Donahue, whom she married in 1980.

2. Who was Phil Donahue’s first wife?

Phil Donahue's first wife was Marge Cooney. They married in 1958 and had five children together before divorcing in 1975.

3. Did Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue have children together?

No, Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue did not have any children together.

4. How long were Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas married?

Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas were married for 44 years, from 1980 until his death in 2024.

5. What was Phil Donahue known for?

Phil Donahue was known for pioneering the talk show format that involved audience participation. He was the host of The Phil Donahue Show, which became one of the most influential TV programs of its time.

6. What happened to Marge Cooney after her divorce from Phil Donahue?

After her divorce from Phil Donahue, Marge Cooney returned to her native New Mexico, remarried, and retired from public life.

7. When did Phil Donahue pass away?

Phil Donahue passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88 after a long illness.

8. What is Marlo Thomas known for besides being Phil Donahue’s wife?

Besides being Phil Donahue’s wife, Marlo Thomas is known for her role in the TV show That Girl, as well as her work as a producer, author, and social activist. She is also involved with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

9. How many children did Phil Donahue have?

Phil Donahue had five children from his first marriage to Marge Cooney.

10. Did Marge Cooney have any involvement in the media or public life after her divorce?

No, Marge Cooney chose to live a private life away from the media after her divorce from Phil Donahue.