Since they first connected in 1977, when Thomas appeared as a guest on Donahue's talk show, their wacky chemistry has remained undiminished.
Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue reached a new high in their long-lasting union. Recently, a warm-hearted party was held to honor Thomas and Donahue's 43rd wedding anniversary. The couple enjoyed a wonderful supper followed by a matinee shot.
Thomas couldn't help but post a picture of the celebration on social media with the caption, "On the town for our 43rd anniversary. A matinee and then dinner! A happy celebration!" The couple has been together for more than four decades according to CBS News. They selected their wedding date for a special reason when they fell in love at first sight.
The That Girl actress shone for the event in a sparkly black outfit, while Donahue looked dapper in a chic leather jacket and a black turtleneck. The fans and followers were quite happy to see the couple enjoying their time in each other's company. The picture shows the couple seated in a hall as the pair poses with a book in their hand smiling and embracing each other.
The pair formerly enjoyed talking about how their wedding date of May 21 came to be since it had great significance for them. "I'm born November 21. He's born December 21. And we specifically decided to be married on a 21. So, 5/21!" she explained. They selected the date with the same exact thought in mind. Since they first connected in 1977, when Thomas appeared as a guest on Donahue's talk show, their wacky chemistry has remained undiminished.
Donahue enquired about her marital status throughout their interaction. Despite being well-known, the pair have always kept some aspects of their marriage private. Thomas clarified, "Because we're both in show business and when you're in show business, your private life is anything but private. That was — and remains — sacred ground to us, and we wanted to protect it." When asked how their relationship lasted so long, Donahue emphasized their commitment to one another.
They vowed to face any challenges head-on and never, under any circumstances, look for an easy way out. The talk show presenter and actress published a new book titled, What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life. The two reportedly spent nine months speaking with famous couples whose unions they've always admired, such as Ron and Cheryl Howard, Chip, and Joanna Gaines, and Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, to name a few. They wanted to learn more about what functions well and what doesn't in a union of two lovers.
Donahue and Thomas didn't have children together, but they raised together five children from a prior marriage of Donahue, of which four were housed with them. Thomas decided to befriend the kids rather than take on the role of a stepmother. This exemplifies the couple's unconventional but enduring love story and demonstrates the importance of valuing individuality in the journey of partnership.
References:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marlo-thomas-phil-donahue-on-the-secrets-of-marriage/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jemal Countess
