Kelly Ripa urged her fans on Monday to cherish their loved ones after losing her dear friend Phil Donahue.
With a touching photo and a message on Instagram, the presenter of “Live with Kelly and Mark” shared her sadness over the death of the popular TV star.
Alongside a snapshot of her, her husband Mark Consuelos, Phil and his wife Marlo Thomas, she wrote: “Good friends are hard to find and even harder to lose. Here’s to a life full. We love you Marlo and will miss Phil forever #ripphildonahue.” Kelly added a broken heart emoji.
Her social media followers showered her with prayers and kind words and also expressed their sadness over his death at the age of 88.
It was announced on Monday that the legendary talk show host passed away on Sunday, August 18, after a long illness.
He was surrounded by his wife of 44 years, their children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie.
Phil paved the way for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Springer and Ellen DeGeneres after he launched The Phil Donahue Show in 1967 and revolutionized the talk show industry.
Kelly’s photo with Phil and Marlo was taken in April 2021 when they were interviewed on Double date with Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue.
The concept of the podcast was to interview long-term couples about their relationships.
InstagramKelly was surprised when Marlo told her that she had not expected them to get married.
“All my friends got married,” she said. “I was a bridesmaid a million times. I said, ‘I’m going to be an actress. I’m free, I’m going to live in London for a year and do a play. I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that.'”
She added that a relationship “just wasn’t for me. And then I met Mr. Blue Eyes here and it was like, maybe I like it after all.”
© GettyKelly noticed her continued love and replied: “I can’t imagine you two without each other! You really are like peanut butter and jelly.”
The couple had no children together, but Marlo was stepmother to Phil’s five children.
© GettyPhil was previously married to his high school sweetheart Marge Cooneyfrom 1958 to 1975, and they welcomed Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Roseplus Jameswho died in 2014.
Marlo paid tribute to Phil on Monday with a heartfelt and long Instagram message.
“I’m sure you have heard by now the very sad news that I lost my loved one last night.” She wrote. “So I know you understand that I will be stepping away from this site for a while to take care of myself and the many people who cared for Phil and held him in their hearts.”
© GettyShe thanked everyone for their “wonderful messages” and said goodbye with the words: “Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days with your family and friends and I hope that you continue to keep those who mean the most to you close to you, just as I was lucky enough to be able to hold my beloved Phillip in my arms. With love, Marlo.”
