In her 2020 book, “What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life,” which she co-wrote with her husband, Phil, the “Reunion” actress reflected on how she used to feel about marriage.

This was a big change because it challenged how she felt about marriage and put her in a role she never thought she would have.

Marlo decided from the start that she wouldn’t take on the role of a mother to Phil’s children. In an interview from May 2011, she shared, “From the very first day, I decided that I was not going to try to be a ‘mother’ to Phil’s children in the traditional sense — they already had a mom — but, instead, to be their friend.”

Marlo wanted to be more like how her mother had been to her and her siblings — a friend they could talk to and trust.

“When I was growing up, my mother was always a friend to my siblings and me (in addition to being all the other things a mom is), and I was always grateful for that because I knew she was someone I could talk to and joke with, and argue with and that nothing would ever harm that friendship,” said Marlo.

What Do Phil Donahue’s Five Kids Look Like?

Phil was often hailed as the “King of Daytime Talk.” He married his college sweetheart, Margaret Cooney, soon after they graduated in 1958. Together, they welcomed five children before their marriage ended in 1975. Today, Phil’s children: Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James, each have their own unique lives and stories.

In a social media post shared in June 2021, Marlo paid a heartfelt Father’s Day tribute to Phil, including a snapshot that featured Phil, his sons, and one of his grandsons.

Here’s a closer look at Phil’s five children and what they look like today.

Michael Donahue, Phil’s eldest son, has built a successful career in the television industry while also cultivating a fulfilling personal life. In January 1991, The New York Times announced his engagement to Martha Reed von Gal, a youth counselor at Communities for People in Medford, Massachusetts.

She is known simply as Reed and is a graduate of Greenwich Academy and St. Michael’s College. At the time of their engagement, Michael, then 31, worked as a marketing consultant for WTNH-TV in New Haven. He had graduated from New Trier East High School in Winnetka, Illinois, and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

The couple married in April 1991 and welcomed two children: a son, Connor, and a daughter, Kenzie. Michael’s career continued to progress, beginning as an account executive for Katz American TV in 1986.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael enjoys a close-knit relationship with his stepmother, Marlo, and this is evident from their candid family moments.

Marlo’s connection with Kenzie is equally strong. In a Facebook post from March 2015, Marlo celebrated Kenzie’s 18th birthday, reflecting on how she had grown since Marlo first held her as a baby.

“Kenzie is not my [biological] grandchild. But I love her as I do all my biological nieces and nephews,” Marlo wrote, highlighting the deep bond she shares with both Kenzie and Connor.

A photo accompanying the post captured Marlo holding a plate of birthday cupcakes, with Kenzie and Connor smiling beside her.

He is Phil’s second son and has shared many memorable moments with his father and stepmother, Marlo, over the years. Kevin, an avid runner, has participated in several marathons, including the renowned New York City Marathon.

In a Facebook post from November 2013, Marlo proudly shared Kevin’s marathon achievements, noting that his time for the ING New York City Marathon that year was 4:12. Remarkably, Kevin has run this marathon in his 30s, 40s, and 50s, with his best time of 3:32 achieved in Stockholm in 1996.

Marlo shared a light-hearted Facebook post from that day, playfully noting how “all the Donahues have white hair!” The family’s bond is evident in the shared experiences that Marlo frequently documents on her social media.

Daniel Donahue

Phil’s third son, shares a strong bond with his family, frequently joining his father, brothers, and stepmother Marlo for special occasions. In a Facebook post from November 2012, Marlo shared a warm Thanksgiving celebration at their home, featuring the Donahue men — Phil, Kevin, and Daniel.

“Thanksgiving at our house. Phil, two of his sons Kevin & Dan, me and a gorgeous brown turkey! Hope you had a Happy Turkey Day, too!” she wrote, capturing the joy of the holiday.

Despite this, Mary Rose maintained a close relationship with her father and stepmom. Marlo has also often expressed affection for Mary Rose through her social media posts.

In August 2011, Marlo shared a proud moment on Facebook, highlighting Mary Rose’s budding passion for the culinary arts. The post described a weekend visit to the renowned Toppers restaurant in Nantucket, where Mary Rose received some valuable tips from the restaurant’s chef, Tom Pearson.

Jim, as he was popularly called, was Phil’s youngest child. He tragically passed away on August 11, 2014, at 51, due to an aortic aneurysm. He had built a life and career in Honolulu and was a practicing lawyer. He dedicated much of his professional life to working for a Ralph Nader group company, where he served as an investigative researcher and writer for over 20 years.

In a heartfelt message to friends following Jim’s passing, Marlo described him as “a great light in our family, a funny character, and an independent spirit.”

After his death, Jim was cremated, and in a gesture of love and remembrance, his family scattered his ashes in the warm and tranquil waters of Honolulu — a place he cherished deeply and where he will forever rest in peace.

Marlo Thomas’ journey from a marriage skeptic to a devoted wife and stepmother illustrates the transformative power of love and family. As she mourns the recent loss of her beloved husband, Phil Donahue, Marlo finds comfort in the deep bonds she formed with his children.