That Girl legend Marlo Thomas looks incredible just over one year after the death of her beloved husband, talk show icon Phil Donahue.
The TV icon and philanthropist, 88, was spotted hanging out with actress Amy Schumer and legendary journalist Diane Sawyer, and it looks like the trio is heading out for a girls’ trip. The beloved star, who also pioneered the children’s franchise Free to Be… You and Me smiled brightly for the camera in a selfie snapped by Schumer as the group sat on a bench together. Schumer wrote “trouble makers” on the photo, so it’s safe to say this trio of ladies is ready to have a good time. No matter what they’re planning to do, it’s great to see Thomas smiling, following the death of Donahue in 2024 after a long illness.
(Instagram/Amy Schumer)
Her First Interview Since Donahue’s Death
Right around Thanksgiving, 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.”
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.