Marlo Thomas Secret To Long Lasting Marriage With Husband

On May 24, 2023, Marlo Thomas shared the secret behind the longevity of her 43-year marriage to Phil Donahue during an exclusive interview with People. 

She revealed the importance of what she calls the “three L’s: love, listening, and lust,” while speaking to the outlet at the Women In Media Foundation’s 48th Annual Gracie Awards Gala.

Marlo emphasized the significance of attentive listening, recognizing that it allows couples to understand one another’s thoughts and emotions truly. 

Marlo Thomas and her husband, Phil Donahue. (Source: marlothomas/Instagram)

In addition, Thomas stressed that love is the essential foundation between her and her husband’s relationship.

Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of maintaining a sense of passion and desire, stating that without lust, a relationship lacks a vital element.

The actress explained, “Those are the three L’s. You have to listen, and then you’ll know what the other person is really thinking and going through. You have to love each other. And without lust, you don’t have anything.”

Thomas and her husband recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary on May 21, 2023, and she expressed her gratitude for having him in her life, describing him as “the best.”

When the outlet asked how they marked the special occasion, the 85-year-old actress revealed they opted for a low-key and private evening together.

Rather than throwing a lavish party or engaging in extravagant celebrations, the couple chose to enjoy each other’s company in an intimate setting. 

They went to the theater, had dinner, and took leisurely walks down the street, cherishing the opportunity to be together and reconnect. Thomas said, “Go to the theater, go to dinner, walk down the street, just be together. It was great.”

Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue spilled tips for marital success in their book

Thomas and her husband Donahue have shared their insights on marital success in their book, What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life. 

In an interview with AARP in 2020, the couple revealed that they spent nine months interviewing celebrity couples to uncover the keys to maintaining a long-lasting relationship.

Marlo Thomas with Phil Donahue and their book What Makes a Marriage Last. (Source: marlothomas/Instagram)

Breaking their own rule of never working on a project together, the couple embarked on this endeavor to discover if there truly is a secret sauce to a successful marriage. 

Their book features stories and advice from couples they admire, including Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Chip, and Joanna Gaines, and Viola Davis and Julius Tennon.

Although each couple’s story is unique, Thomas and Donahue found a common plotline among them: the journey of two individuals joining hands and embracing the joys and challenges of making a marriage last. 

Regarding their marriage, they emphasized the importance of communication and the unwavering belief that nothing can truly break them apart. 

They have learned over the years that not everything is a significant issue, and they have developed a habit of talking things out. 

In a promotional video for the issue on AARP’s YouTube channel, Thomas mentioned that the secret to good communication is sometimes expressing emotions through raised voices, as it ensures the other person is truly listening. 

They also humorously suggested stepping away and counting to ten in another room to diffuse tension.

Thomas’ husband added that humor plays a vital role in their marriage, as it brings levity and helps navigate challenges. The couple believes that a little humor can go a long way in maintaining a strong and thriving relationship.

Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue met in 1977

Thomas and Donahue’s love story began in 1977 when they first crossed paths. Thomas, an esteemed actress, appeared as a guest on Donahue’s talk show, and their first encounter was described as “love at first sight.” 

Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue celebrating their 16 years of marriage. (Source: marlothomas/Instagram)

Eventually, on May 21, 1980, they exchanged vows and officially became husband and wife. Along with marrying Donahue, Thomas also embraced the role of stepmother to his five children from his previous marriage. 

Before their union, Donahue had been married to Margaret Cooney for 16 years, from 1958 to 1975. They welcomed five children during their marriage—Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James.

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