Oprah Winfrey has joined the long list of celebrities paying tribute to late TV icon Phil Donahue. On August 19, he died at the age of 88.
Winfrey stated that she would never have had her show without the influence of the TV innovator.
"There wouldn't be an 'Oprah Show' if Phil Donahue hadn't been the first to prove that everyday conversations and the women who watch them should be taken seriously." He was a pioneer. I'm glad I was able to thank him for that. Rest in peace Phil,” Oprah told People.
She shared the same message on her Instagram, along with a black and white photo of her and Phil hugging.
Donahue's final moments were shared with his wife of 44 years, actress Marlo Thomas, 86, as well as his sister, children, grandchildren and his "beloved golden retriever, Charlie."
The cause of his death has not yet been announced, but a statement from his family said his death came "after a long illness".
Phil broke barriers by bringing up controversial topics on his talk shows that began in the 1950s.
The Phil Donahue Show addresses issues such as child abuse in the Catholic Church, as well as civil rights, racism and feminism.
Phil won 20 Grammy Awards - 10 for Outstanding Host and 10 for his talk shows, which also paved the way for hosts such as Sally Jesse Raphael, Ricky Lake and Montel Williams.
Montel, 68, also paid tribute to Phil after news of his death broke, calling him a "true pioneer".
"We have lost a true pioneer. Phil Donahue, the godfather of talk shows, forever changed the face of television. My thoughts and prayers are with Mario and his family, Rest in Peace Phil,” he wrote. | BGNES