Marlo Thomas & Phil Donahue Celebrate 43rd Anniversary with Special Date Night

Longtime couple Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue marked another milestone in their blissful marriage. The dashing duo fell in love at first sight and had a particular reason for choosing a specific wedding date.

Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue recently commemorated their 43rd wedding anniversary with a heartwarming celebration. The couple enjoyed a matinee show followed by a delightful dinner.

Thomas couldn't resist sharing a snapshot of the festivities on social media with the caption, "On the town for our 43rd anniversary. A matinee and then dinner! A happy celebration! ❤️.”

For the occasion, the "That Girl" actress dazzled in a glittering black ensemble while Donahue looked dashing in a stylish leather jacket and a black sweater.

The couple once fondly reminisced about the origins of their May 21 wedding date, as it has special meaning to them.

Thomas explained that she was born on November 21 and Donahue on December 21. With the same specific day in mind, they chose May 21.

Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas on March 4, 2020 at 'Hillary' film premiere, Arrivals, New York| Source: Getty Images

Their whimsical chemistry never waned since their meeting in 1977 when Thomas was a guest on Donahue's talk show. It was during this encounter that Donahue probed her about her marital status.

In response, she voiced her skepticism about marriage. She confessed that she thought it impossible to find someone who would stimulate her intellect, excite her mind, and appeal to her physical desires.

Phil Donohue and Marlo Thomas pose for a photograph at Gloria Steinem's 50th birthday celebration May 23, 1984 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Despite being public figures, the couple has always maintained a certain degree of privacy in their marriage. Thomas explained:

"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."

Asked about the longevity of their relationship, Donahue highlighted their devotion to each other. They committed to weathering any storm that might arise, vowing never to seek an easy way out, regardless of the circumstances.

Mary Rose Donahue, Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas, and a friend (left) | Source: Getty Images

Though Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue didn't have kids together, he brought five kids from a previous marriage into their union, and four lived with the couple. Rather than assuming the role of a stepmother, Thomas chose to become a friend to the children.

This approach embodies the couple's unorthodox but enduring love story, a testament to the power of embracing each other's uniqueness in the dance of partnership.

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