Phil Donahue, the pioneering US talk show host, has passed away at 88. He died peacefully at home on Sunday, surrounded by loved ones.

Donahue, known as the “king of daytime talk,” created and hosted *The Phil Donahue Show*, which redefined television with its groundbreaking format and audience participation. His show featured interviews with major figures like Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali, and he became a trailblazer in daytime TV.

Born in 1935, Donahue’s career spanned nearly three decades, earning him 20 Emmy Awards and the Medal of Freedom earlier this year. Oprah Winfrey credited him with paving the way for her own success. He is survived by his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, and four children from his first marriage. His impact on television will be remembered for years to come.