Inside Marlo Thomas And Husband Phil Donahue's Wonderful Love Story

Apr 06, 2020

Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue have been married for 40 years, making them a power couple in Hollywood. The pair met when Thomas appeared on Donahue's talk show, The Phil Donahue Show, in 1977. They put their decades-long relationship down to championing the other instead of critiquing them, and really listening to what they have to say.

Thomas met Donahue in 1977 when she was a guest on his popular daytime television talk show The Phil Donahue Show. Best known for her role in the sitcom That Girl, Thomas is a classic beauty and an accomplished entertainer. It was not a surprise that Donahue was smitten when he first met her.

It did not take long for sparks to fly for the couple. The pair married on May 21, 1980, and have been celebrating their love ever since.

Although they never had any children of their own together, the two were kept busy raising the five children from Donahue's previous relationship.

Over the course of her career, Thomas was awarded four Emmys, one Golden Globe, and the George Foster Peabody Award. A highlight of her career was in 2014 when President Barack Obama presented Thomas with a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Thomas has credited Donahue's support of her career as a reason to why they have been married so long. Rather than critique her work, Donahue prefers to simply enjoy it and be there to encourage her in all that she does on screen and on stage. Thomas has even jokingly referred to her husband as her “stage-door Johnny" to TODAY, referring to his penchant for being her biggest supporter.

It is easy to understand why many celebrity relationships do not last. That pressure that comes with living life in a fishbowl can often be overwhelming. Thankfully, Thomas and Donahue have been able to withstand this pressure and let their relationship blossom on its own.

Thomas has said to Huffington Post that one of the most important reasons that her marriage has lasted so long is because she truly listens. She said that leaning in and listening to her husband has helped them to develop a greater intimacy that has contributed to the overall health of their marriage.

Now aged 81, Thomas said that she tries to not be preoccupied with age. She does not want a number to define her or her interests. The actress is known for her strict fitness and skincare regimen. She credits her dedication to these elements as being a key to maintaining her youthful appearance.

Marlo Thomas is very active on social media, often posting pictures of her and Donahue enjoying time together and celebrating their love. It is obvious by looking at all of these pictures that this couple has the staying power to make it last. They totally support each other and have the friendship that it takes to create a healthy and happy relationship.

Are you as touched and inspired by Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue's happy marriage as we are? After you have looked through the beautiful pictures, be sure to spread the love to everyone else that you know. A relationship like this should be honored and celebrated.