That Girl legend Marlo Thomas is smiling brightly one year after the death of her beloved husband, talk show icon Phil Donahue.
The TV icon and philanthropist, 88, was spotted out and about in New York City and looked absolutely incredible. Bundled up to weather the cold in a puffy red coat and tartan scarf, the beloved star, who also pioneered the children’s franchise Free to Be… You and Me, smiled for the camera from behind her tortoise-shell sunglasses. It’s great to see Thomas smiling, following the death of Donahue in 2024 after a long illness.
Photo by MEGA on Getty Images
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox
Her First Interview Since Donahue’s Death
Earlier this week, Thomas spoke about the loss of her husband of 44 years during an appearance on TODAY.
“I’m doing well. I’m like Sheinelle,” Thomas, referencing TODAY’s Sheinelle Jones, whose husband, Uche Ojeh, died of brain cancer in May.
In response, Jones said that Thomas has “been my Earth angel.”
“Thank you. I miss him a lot,” Thomas said of Donahue.
Following Donahue’s death, Thomas shared a sweet message on Instagram alongside a vintage photo of the duo riding a Vespa together on vacation.
“Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends, and I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip,” Thomas captioned the photo.
Thomas Made a Rare Podcast Appearance on Thanksgiving
While Thomas has stayed low-key since Donahue’s death, she did make a rare exception recently. On Thanksgiving Day, Thomas appeared on the “Daily Variety” podcast to share the story of how her father, entertainer Danny Thomas, launched St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Thomas is a frequent face in the commercials for the hospital, which serves children facing pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
“My sister and brother, and I created this 22 years ago. We’ve raised $1 billion so far on this program, which we’re very excited about, and we brought it up to $100 million dollars a year program now,” Thomas said during her appearance, Variety reported. “Nobody pays at Saint Jude. Nobody pays for anything. They don’t pay for treatment or travel or housing or food. We pay for all of that. And it’s our honor and privilege to do that.”
Related: Marlo Thomas Gives First Interview Following Death of Husband Phil Donahue: ‘I Miss Him A Lot’
This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.