Marge Cooney: Exploring the Life of Phil Donahue's Former Spouse

Marge Cooney, the first wife of TV personality Phil Donahue, was married to him for over a decade and had five children together. After their separation, Phil remained in the media spotlight, while Marge disappeared from public view.

Tabloids have speculated about her being deceased, but there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Marge's current whereabouts and her life after the divorce remain a mystery.

Wedding Vows With Ex-Husband, Phil Donahue

Margie and Phil tied the knot on February 1st, 1958, at San Felipe de Neri, one of the oldest cathedrals in the US, New Mexico. 

Their wedding was marked by a Solemn High Nuptial Mass, featuring three priests. The ceremony was an intimate affair, with only a select group of friends and family in attendance.

Starting Relationship With Phil Donahue

Phil Donahue and Marge Cooney met at the University of Notre Dame through Marge's brother, Jim. They started dating, but their relationship wasn't initially serious. 

It took a turn when Marge moved to Chicago and began working at Price Waterhouse while Phil was in his senior year. Despite the distance, their love continued to flourish. Phil was captivated by Marge's tall and attractive presence when they first met. 

Their journey began in college, leading to their eventual marriage on February 1, 1958, at San Felipe de Neri in New Mexico, with a Solemn High Nuptial Mass and a small gathering of friends and family.

How Many Kids Does Marge Cooney Have? 

Phil Donahue's parents refused to attend his wedding to Marge, deeming him too young for marriage. The couple had five children: Mary Rose, Michael, Kevin, Daniel, and James. 

In 1975, they decided to part ways, with Phil admitting it was challenging to raise their five kids. Phil sought therapy following the divorce, describing it as a complex process. 

Marge remarried and lived in Albuquerque with their daughter, Mary, while Phil remained in Chicago with their four sons. Their marriage, which had lasted for years, ultimately ended, leading to separate lives for both Phil and Marge.

Son, James Donahue Died in 2014

The youngest child of Marge and Phil Donahue, James Donahue, passed away in August 2014 at the age of 51 due to an aortic aneurysm. 

James, a lawyer practicing in Honolulu, was cremated, and his family scattered his ashes in the serene waters of Honolulu, a place he cherished, to give him eternal peace.

Ex-Spouse, Phil Donahue Married Actress Marlo Thomas

After his divorce from Marge, Phil Donahue entered a loving relationship with American actress, producer, and author Marlo Thomas, whom he first met on his talk show in 1977. They began dating and eventually married on May 21, 1980, celebrating their 40th anniversary with no controversies. 

Marlo, who didn't have children with Phil, embraced her role as a stepmother to his children from a previous marriage. She emphasized her commitment to being a friend to them, and their strong friendships persisted throughout the years, even growing stronger.

Is Marge Cooney Dead? 

Marge Cooney's current whereabouts have remained a mystery, as she moved back to her hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, following her divorce from Phil. 

Marge Cooney passed away on February 2, 2018, at the age of 82. She was surrounded by her children and extended family at the time of her death

Marge Cooney's Net Worth

Marge Cooney remains a secretive figure with limited public information about her family background and professional career. In contrast, her ex-husband, Phil Donahue, has amassed a substantial net worth of $150 Million throughout his successful career as a television host. 

He is renowned for hosting the iconic American talk show "The Phil Donahue Show," which aired for 26 years, from 1967 to 1996. Known as the "King of Daytime Talk," Phil has received numerous accolades, including 20 Emmy Awards, 10 for Outstanding Talk Show Host and 10 for his talk show. 

In 2009, he also received a GLAAD Media Award for Special Recognition. Meanwhile, his current spouse, Marlo Thomas, boasts a net worth of $35 million.

How Old is Marge Cooney Now? 

Marge Cooney was born in West Orange, New Jersey, and later spent significant portions of her life in Chatham, New Jersey, and Boca Raton, Florida. She was also a summer resident of Sea Girt for 57 years and held American nationality. 

She followed the Christian religion. However, detailed information about her birth date, parents, siblings, and childhood remains undisclosed, but it can be assumed that she had a supportive upbringing.

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