Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas wrote a book about marriage. It’s called “What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets.” In the book, they talk about their own marriage and share secrets from other couples.
Even though Marlo has been married to Phil for more than 40 years, she admits that when she was younger, she didn’t really want to get married.
In the book, Marlo Thomas talks about how she used to think marriage was like a vacuum cleaner that sucks out all your energy and ambition. She felt like living with a jailer you had to please.
But everything changed when she met Phil Donahue. They found each other after Phil’s first marriage ended, and now they have a strong bond that has lasted their whole lives.
Phil Donahue became famous with his TV show, “The Phil Donahue Show,” which later became just “Donahue.” It ran for 29 years and was the first show to let the audience join in. Marlo Thomas was a guest on his show, and meeting her changed Phil’s life.
The couple first met in Chicago in 1977. Phil Donahue already had four boys with him, and his fifth child, a daughter, lived with his ex-wife and her mother in another place.
Marlo and Phil dated for three years before getting married in 1980 in a small ceremony with 35 people.
Marlo’s friends and family were surprised by her decision to get married, given her past views on marriage. The book tells a funny story about friends at Marlo’s bridal shower putting up quotes from her that showed her previous thoughts about marriage.
According to the book, Marlo’s mom was really surprised at their wedding and kept asking Phil, “How did you get her to do this?” Even strangers, like a woman on their honeymoon plane to Greece, were shocked and disappointed that Marlo, who was known for being independent, decided to settle down.
In the book, Marlo admits that this made her doubt her choice. She wondered if she was being hypocritical since she had criticized marriage for so long. She worried that she let down fans who saw her as a symbol of independence.
Despite the challenges, Phil and Marlo make their marriage work. They talk about the ups and downs in the book, saying that those tough times helped strengthen their bond.
In the early days of their marriage, they spent time apart because Phil was taping his show in Chicago, and Marlo was traveling for her acting career. Even though they weren’t always living together, Marlo’s aunt helped her see that marriage can mean different things to different people.
Despite the distance, Marlo and Phil made their marriage successful. And one important thing to note is that Marlo not only gained a husband but also gained children when she got married.
In a 2012 interview with AARP, Marlo Thomas talked about helping to raise Phil’s children. She knew they already had a traditional mother, so she didn’t try to take on that role. Instead, she became more like a friend to Phil’s children, just like her own mother was to her.
Marlo says that her relationship with Phil’s children is even stronger now than when she first married Phil. In the book, Phil emphasizes that Marlo spent a lot of time talking to and trying to understand his sons.
Phil and Marlo think that the key to their long marriage is the trust they have in each other. Marlo says, “You build trust when you realize that this person always has your back.”
Even though they’ve been married for over 40 years, they believe there are still more memories to create together.
Phil says that for a marriage to last, both people have to really want it. Marlo agrees and says that looking back, she wouldn’t have it any other way than being married to Phil. She points out that he has supported her in every possible way.
Marriage is a wonderful connection, especially when two people fully commit to it. This couple is truly inspiring and sets a great example for all of us. We should all aim for a relationship as successful as theirs!
My granddaughter kicked me out of my house because I married at 81. I gave her a BIG lesson
I had always believed that family was the cornerstone of life. After losing my daughter and son-in-law in that tragic car accident, I knew my purpose was to be there for Jenny. I sold my house, the home where I’d lived for decades, to pay for her college education. She was a bright, ambitious girl with a future full of promise. Every day, I put her needs above mine, ensuring she had everything she needed to succeed. In those moments, I almost forgot about my own happiness.
Then, Gerald entered my life. We had known each other for years, having grown up in the same neighborhood. He was my childhood friend, the boy who used to tease me by pulling my braids and then offer to carry my books home. Over the years, we lost touch, only to reconnect at a community event. He was the same sweet, gentle Gerald I remembered, and we quickly rekindled our friendship. But this time, it blossomed into something more – something beautiful and unexpected. At 81, I never thought I would find love again, but there it was, shining brightly in front of me.
The Proposal
When Gerald proposed, I felt like a teenager again, my heart fluttering with joy and excitement. I couldn’t wait to tell Jenny. I imagined she would be happy for me, supportive even. After all, hadn’t I been there for her every step of the way? But the reaction I received was far from what I expected.
Jenny was furious. “You’re too old for this, Grandma! An old lady in a white dress – it’s embarrassing!” Her words cut deep, but I tried to reason with her. She started blaming me for disrespecting her late grandfather, saying he would be disappointed in me. I understood her grief, but I couldn’t let it dictate my happiness. I had given up so much for her; was it so wrong to want a little joy in my life?
The Fallout
The situation escalated when Jenny found out about Gerald moving in. She went ballistic, refusing to share the house with him. “There is no way I’m living with that old man!” she yelled, her face red with anger. I tried to explain, to calm her down, but she wouldn’t listen. Before I knew it, she was packing up my belongings, throwing them into suitcases and garbage bags. The next thing I knew, I was out on the streets, homeless and heartbroken.
But I couldn’t just forget what Jenny had done. She needed to learn a lesson – one that would make her understand the value of family and respect. So, I took action. I consulted a lawyer and began the process of reclaiming my house. I had sold it to pay for her education, but I still had rights. The legal battle was tough, but with Gerald by my side, I persevered.
The Lesson
One day, there was a knock on Jenny’s door. She opened it to find a process server handing her an eviction notice. Her face went pale as she read the document. I had reclaimed my house, and she was the one being asked to leave. She tried to fight it, but the law was on my side.
In the end, I found my happiness and restored my relationship with Jenny. It wasn’t the path I expected, but it was the one that led me to where I am today – surrounded by love and finally, truly happy.
Leave a Reply