Longtime TV talk show host Phil Donahue died on Sunday night following a long illness, his family said. He was 88.

Donahue died at his home surrounded by his family, including his wife of 44 years, actor Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, his grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie, his family said in a statement to TODAY.

No further details about his cause of death were released.

The 3rd hour of TODAY's Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones announced the news of Donahue's death on Monday morning.

"You know, we overuse sometimes the word trailblazer, but he certainly was, indeed," Sheinelle said.

The journalist pioneered the modern format of issue-based daytime talk shows featuring audience participation. His show would become one of the most influential programs of its time, with Donahue winning nine Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding host.