Marlo Thomas remembers the death of her husband Phil Donahue, with whom she was married for 44 years

Marlo Thomas honors her late husband Phil Donahue.

In a lengthy Instagram post, the actress thanked her followers for their support after Donahue died at the age of 88. She also announced that she would be taking a break from social media while she mourns her loss.

“Hello friends,” she began. “I'm sure you've heard by now the very sad news that I lost my loved one last night. So you understand that I will be stepping away from this site for a while to take care of myself and the many people who have cared for Phil and taken him into their hearts.”

“But I didn't want to leave without saying thank you for the beautiful messages of love and support that have come my way throughout the day, and for the wonderful and generous way in which you have shared in Phil and I's life's adventure over the years,” she continued.

“Phil has spent his entire career loving his audience. He has enjoyed our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you have shared with us,” she added. “Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days surrounded by your family and friends. I hope you continue to keep those who mean the most to you close to you, just as I was lucky to have my beloved Phillip. Love, Marlo.”

Thomas ended her post by commenting on the photo that accompanied the post, in which she was seen hugging the talk show host from behind while they both sat on a motorcycle. “PS: This is one of my favorite photos of Phil and I taken on vacation,” she said.

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Donahue died on Sunday, August 18, in the presence of Thomas “after a long illness.” The statement, which was first sent to Today on Monday, August 19, adding that “his sister, children, grandchildren and beloved golden retriever Charlie” were also with him.

Donahue was a pioneer in the talk show industry and was the first to include a studio audience in his show. The Donahue ShowThere he also met his wife, with whom he was married for 44 years.

“I met Phil on the Donahue Show in 1977 – we had instant chemistry!” Thomas captioned a video of the episode on her YouTube channel in 2012.

Thomas was there to promote her film Thieves, and in the end the two of them flirted quite a bit with each other.

“You really are fascinating,” Donahue said to Thomas, holding her hand.

“You are wonderful,” she replied. “I said it when we were off the air and I want to say you are loving and generous and you like women and it is my pleasure.”

She added: “Whoever the woman in your life is, consider yourself lucky.”

The couple married three years later, on May 21, 1980.