Talk show legend Phil Donahue is dead at 88.

Donahue died on Sunday night following a long illness, his family told NBC’s "Today." He was surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas.&nbsp;

Donahue hosted "The Phil Donahue Show" from 1967 to 1996 and is considered an icon of the daytime talk show industry. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden earlier this year.

This is a developing story, more to come…&nbsp;

<div class="author-bio">Brian Flood is a media editor/reporter for FOX News Digital. Story tips can be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:brian.flood@fox.com">brian.flood@fox.com</a>&nbsp;and on Twitter: @briansflood.&nbsp;</div>

Talk show legend Phil Donahue died on Sunday night following a long illness, his family told NBC’s “Today."{ai:summary}Phil Donahue, the legendary talk show host, passed away at 88 after a long illness, surrounded by family. A pioneer of daytime television, he hosted his show from 1967 to 1996 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom this year. The lights dim on a titan of the screen, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of millions. #culture

Talk show icon Phil Donahue dead at 88

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