Talk show host Phil Donahue dead at 88

Arts & Entertainment

Holly Yan, CNN

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(CNN) — Phil Donahue, who set a new format for daytime television as host of “The Phil Donahue Show” for nearly three decades, has died, his family announced in a statement on Monday to People and NBC News.

He was 88.

“Donahue died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie,” his family said in a statement to the outlets.

CNN has reached out to representatives for Donahue and Thomas for comment.