Phil Donahue passed away in August 2024 at age 88 following a long illness. Since then, his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, has kept a low profile. The 87-year-old That Girl star made her first public appearance on May 12 at Family Equity’s Night at the Pier event in New York City.
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Marlo joined Demi Moore and Debbie Harry in honoring Jason Weinberg and Merritt Johnson with the Luigi Caiola Luminary Award. The honor recognized the men’s advocacy work for LGBTQ+ families, ensuring their legal protections.
Phil Donahue’s Widow, Marlo Thomas, Beamed With Her Friends
According to People, Marlo Thomas disappeared from the spotlight following Phil’s death. She even missed an annual visit to the Today Show to promote St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Thanksgiving. Her late father, Danny Thomas, started the pediatric treatment center in 1962 in Memphis, Tennessee. Marlo has continued her father’s legacy for decades.
Family Equity shared photos of the event and thanked supporters for making the evening a success.
“Mic. Drop. We made history!! From show-stopping Broadway performances to moving remarks, BIG thanks to the 1,000+ families, celebrities, advocates, Broadway performers, honorees, and changemakers who joined us last night at our annual spring gala, #NightAtThePier,” an Instagram post reads. “Thanks to your support and generosity, we raised $1.5M for LGBTQ+ families — making it our biggest fundraising night EVER! And there’s still time to give! Any amount, from $5 to $1,000 will help us protect and support LGBTQ+ families across the country.”
Many who attended the event featuring Marlo Thomas felt inspired.
“I’ve been part of the Family Equality circle for over a decade—not just as a supporter, but as someone who’s always felt deeply at home here. Last night hit that rare, magic balance of celebration and purpose. Still feeling the glow—and maybe a few happy tears,” someone wrote/
This person agreed, “An Inspiring Evening Filled with Beautiful Stories and a Celebration of All Families.”
This story’s featured image is by Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.
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