Hollywood legend Marlo Thomas has made her first television appearance since the tragic death of her husband Phil Donahue, marking an emotional return to public life after months of mourning.
Emotional Return to Television
The 88-year-old That Girl star appeared on the Today show this Monday to unveil a brand new facility at St. Jude's Research Center. This represents her first time back on screen since losing her beloved husband Donahue, who passed away at age 88 in August 2024.
Thomas has maintained an extremely low profile since her husband's death, with only one previous public appearance since the tragic event. Her return to the small screens signals a gradual re-emergence into public life while continuing her important charitable work.
St. Jude's Transformative New Space
The actress and activist showcased the hospital's innovative Family Commons - a specially designed area where young patients can experience normal childhood activities despite their medical challenges.
"It was actually thought of by the parents and the children," Thomas explained during her emotional presentation. "What are they missing? A place to play, a place to do art, a place to play music. And even, we have a beauty salon! Because hair is very important to kids."
The space has been carefully designed to provide everything young patients need to temporarily escape their health battles and rediscover the joy of being a child. Remarkably, the area remains strictly off-limits to medical staff, creating a sanctuary free from clinical reminders.
Healing Through Creativity and Play
Thomas passionately described how the new facility helps restore a sense of normalcy and control to children undergoing intensive medical treatment.
"The children are so scheduled, what the art does in terms of healing, it gives them back control," she explained. "Anything they want. They can even paint on the walls!"
The National Outreach Director emphasised the dual mission of St. Jude's: "Our main goal is to save a child's life. And after that, give them back a quality of life. We're trying to give them back their childhood."
The facility includes multiple activity areas where children can engage in arts, music, play, and even beauty treatments - all designed to provide therapeutic benefits through joyful experiences.
Continuing a Family Legacy
Thomas maintains a deep connection to St. Jude's, following in the footsteps of her father Danny Thomas, who founded the renowned research centre. She has served as the hospital's National Outreach Director for many years, continuing her family's commitment to helping children with life-threatening illnesses.
Her appearance on Monday follows her first public outing since Donahue's passing, which occurred in May at the Family Equality's Night at Pier Sixty in New York City.
A Love Story Remembered
The couple's enduring romance began in 1977 when Thomas appeared as a guest on Donahue's talk show. She previously recalled their instant chemistry, noting: "He flirted, I giggled, and his TV audience watched us fall in love."
They married three years later in 1980 and shared 44 years of marriage before Donahue's passing. When he died in August 2024, he was surrounded by family members, including his devoted wife.
Following his death, Thomas shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, describing him as her "sweetheart" and thanking fans for their support during their life adventure together.
The actress continues to honour both her family legacy at St. Jude's and the memory of her late husband through her ongoing charitable work and gradual return to public life.
