Oprah, Sarah Jessica Parker and More Celebrities React to Death of TV Legend Phil Donahue

Heartfelt tributes are pouring in from celebrities after the passing of legendary TV host Phil Donahue. Oprah Winfrey is among the many stars who are honoring the king of daytime TV. “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,” Oprah wrote in a post on Instagram. “He was a pioneer.” Sara Jessica Parker, Katie Couric, and Montel Williams were among those who shared tributes on social media. In a statement, Donahue’s family confirmed he died Sunday, Aug. 18, “Groundbreaking TV talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie. Donahue was 88 years old and passed away peacefully following a long illness.”