Actress and activist Marlo Thomas made her first television appearance since the death of her husband, Phil Donahue, by returning to the Today show on Nov 24 to kick off the annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital “Thanks & Giving” campaign. At 88, she chose to focus on the hospital’s new Family Commons — a 45,000-square-foot non-clinical center designed to restore childhood for young patients. Although she did not mention her husband’s passing during the live segment, her return marked a meaningful public step forward.
Marlo Thomas Returns to Today for St. Jude’s Annual Campaign After Loss
After a year of profound personal change, Marlo Thomas stepped back into the spotlight. On November 24, she appeared live on the Today show to begin the widely anticipated annual “Thanks & Giving” campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — the hospital her father founded decades ago. This marked her first full television outing since the death of her husband, Phil Donahue, in August 2024.
Thomas has been a consistent presence in the campaign for over two decades, but last year she paused for the first time to grieve. This return signals both a tribute to her legacy and a personal step forward.
A Return with Purpose
Thomas chose to highlight a new milestone at St. Jude — the “Family Commons,” a 45,000-square-foot space dedicated to non-clinical care for kids and families. She described it as an area for art, music, play, and healing — designed so that children can feel like children again despite being in a hospital environment.
What she emphasized was less the spotlight and more the mission: health, hope, and the quality of life for young patients. In doing so, Thomas quietly honored her husband’s memory by continuing the work they both supported deeply.
The Silent Strength of a Public Comeback
While Thomas didn’t publicly discuss her husband’s passing on-air, her presence spoke volumes. For many, the act of returning — not with fanfare, but with focus — felt both dignified and courageous. At 88 years old, she renewed her commitment to a cause that has defined much of her adult life.
The segment featured Thomas touring the Family Commons via satellite. She interacted with children playing, creating art, or simply being kids in a place built for that freedom. Her words underscored a core belief: after treatment, children deserve to reclaim something of their childhood.
Why This Matters
For viewers and fans, this wasn’t just a campaign kickoff — it was a moment of resilience. Thomas has navigated loss, stepping back last year to grieve. Her decision to come back on a national platform exemplifies:
- Continuing legacy: Carrying forward the mission of St. Jude, which her father started and she has long championed.
- A graceful step forward after grief: Choosing to return on her own terms, focusing on purpose rather than pity.
- Authenticity in activism: She didn’t use the moment for self-promotion; she used it to spotlight children, families, and healing.
What to Watch For
- Thomas is likely to continue appearing during the St. Jude campaign season and perhaps expand her advocacy around the Family Commons space.
- Future updates may shed light on how St. Jude uses the new facility and what outcomes it brings for children and families.
- Her personal resurgence may also bring more attention to how public figures manage grief and return to their work with renewed purpose.
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FAQ
Q: Why did Marlo Thomas skip last year’s Today segment?
She missed her customary appearance as she grieved the loss of her husband, Phil Donahue, who died in August 2024.
Q: What significant thing did she focus on during her return?
She highlighted the newly opened Family Commons at St. Jude — a large non-clinical space for children and families to heal, play, and reclaim normalcy.
Q: Did she talk about her husband’s death on air?
No — she chose to center the campaign and the hospital’s mission rather than speak personally about her loss.
Q: How old is Marlo Thomas now?
She is 88 years old at the time of this segment.
Q: What’s the broader importance of her return?
It signals both personal resilience and unwavering commitment to advocacy, reminding viewers that legacy work can be — and often is — deeply personal and ongoing.
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