Phil Donahue dead at 88: Legendary TV talk show host passes away after 'long illness'

Legendary TV talker Phil Donahue has died following a lengthy illness, his family has announced.  

The host of the famed The Phil Donahue Show passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday, while surrounded by relatives at his home. 

A talk-show trailblazer, his program was the first of its kind, including now commonplace concepts like audience participation.

It ran for nearly 30 years, solidifying the former news reporter's place in the annals of TV history.

He was 88 years old, and had recently been awarded the presidential medal of freedom for his storied career.

 Donahue is survived by his wife, Marlo Thomas, sister, children, and grandchildren, all of whom were by his side Sunday night when he passed, their statement said.

Also present was his beloved golden retriever, Charlie, as the illness he had been battling remains unknown.

Just last month, wife Marlo, an 86-year-old actress and producer, posted a photo of the icon on Instagram, as he stood on a farm in Canada where to feed a horse.

Unlike the ceremony with Joe Biden, he stood on his own accord with the aid of a cane, looking health and happy in the idyllic setting.

The shot was snapped at least a year-and-half ago, during filming for Hallmark's A Magical Christmas Village, which featured Thomas in a starring role.

The actress thus remembered the occasion with a loving caption, writing to her 145,000 followers, Here's a favorite shot of Phil in the morning feeding the horses near the house where we were staying in Canada.

'A lovely way to start the day!' she concluded, posting the photo on July 12.

Posts since did not feature her husband, aside from another throwback published three weeks ago of the couple back in the summer of 2009.

This is a developing story; please check back for updates.