Not much is known about Marge Cooney, but she holds a significant place in history as the ex-wife of Phil Donahue, the legendary talk show host. Despite being married to a well-known television personality, Marge chose to stay away from the limelight, living a quiet and private life. However, her connection to Donahue has always sparked curiosity.

Quick Bio

Full Name	Margaret Cooney (Marge Cooney)
Birth Year	Estimated 1930s
Place of Birth	United States
Nationality	American
Education	Unknown
Famous For	Being the ex-wife of Phil Donahue
Marriage	Married to Phil Donahue (1958-1975)
Children	Five children
Profession	Not publicly known
Death	Passed away in 2018

Early Life and Background

Marge Cooney was born in the United States, but there is limited information available about her early years. She grew up in a modest family and likely had a traditional upbringing. While details about her education remain undisclosed, given the time period, it is likely that she pursued at least a high school education, if not more.

Unlike her famous ex-husband, Marge did not seek public recognition and lived a rather private life. Her early life, before she met Phil Donahue, remains largely unknown.

Age and Physical Appearance

Since Marge Cooney was born around the 1930s, she was likely in her late 80s at the time of her passing in 2018. Though there are no widely available photographs of her, reports suggest she had a graceful and warm personality.

As a private individual, she never appeared in public media as frequently as Phil Donahue, making it difficult to describe her appearance in detail. However, those close to her have described her as a kind-hearted and family-oriented woman.

Marriage to Phil Donahue

Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue met in the 1950s when Phil was still building his career. Their romance blossomed, leading to their wedding in 1958. During their marriage, Phil Donahue was not yet the famous talk show host he later became, but he was working hard toward success in the media industry.

Their marriage lasted for nearly 17 years, and for most of that time, they lived a fairly normal family life. However, as Phil’s career began to take off, their marriage faced challenges, which ultimately led to their separation.

Family and Children

During their marriage, Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue had five children together. Raising such a large family required immense dedication, and Marge played a central role as a mother. While Phil Donahue focused on his growing career in television, Marge ensured their children were well cared for.

Despite their divorce, Marge remained devoted to her children, staying in close contact with them throughout her life. Her focus on family values was one of the defining aspects of her personality.

Divorce and Life After Separation

After 17 years of marriage, Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue divorced in 1975. While the exact reasons for their separation remain private, many speculate that Phil’s demanding career and increasing fame may have contributed to their growing differences.

Unlike many high-profile divorces, their separation was amicable, and both of them moved forward with their lives. While Phil Donahue continued to grow his career, Marge chose a private and quiet life away from the media.

Marge Cooney’s Personal Life Post-Divorce

Unlike Phil Donahue, who later married Marlo Thomas, Marge Cooney chose to live a life away from the public eye. There is little information available about whether she remarried or had any other significant relationships after her divorce.

She was known to have spent most of her later years in peace, likely surrounded by her children and close friends. She never sought media attention, making her one of the most private figures associated with a major television personality.

Career and Interests

There is little public information about Marge Cooney’s professional career. Given the time period in which she lived, it is possible that she was a homemaker or had a small career that remained out of the public eye.

Her main role was as a mother and a supportive partner during her marriage to Phil Donahue. Additionally, she may have been involved in community activities or had personal interests that she enjoyed privately.

Public vs. Private Life

Marge Cooney was the complete opposite of her ex-husband in terms of public presence. While Phil Donahue was a major media personality, she preferred a quiet life and stayed away from the spotlight.

Throughout her life, Marge never gave interviews or publicly spoke about her marriage to Donahue. She remained a mystery to the media, with only a few close friends and family members knowing much about her personal life.

Legacy and Impact

Though Marge Cooney was not a public figure, her legacy lives on through her children and family. She is remembered as a loving mother who dedicated her life to raising her kids.

Her influence on Phil Donahue’s early years was also significant. She was there for him when he was still building his career, offering him support during his formative years in television.

Marge Cooney’s Death

Marge Cooney passed away in 2018, though the exact date and cause of her death remain undisclosed. Given her advanced age, it is likely that she passed away due to natural causes.

Her death was not widely reported in the media, as she had lived a private life. However, those who knew her personally remember her as a kind, warm, and devoted person.

Phil Donahue After Divorce

After his divorce from Marge Cooney, Phil Donahue went on to marry actress Marlo Thomas in 1980. Their marriage has remained strong over the years, and Marlo has often spoken about their loving relationship.

While Donahue continued to enjoy his successful television career, Marge lived away from the public eye, choosing a more peaceful and private life.

Conclusion

Marge Cooney may not have been a household name, but she played an important role in Phil Donahue’s life and was a dedicated mother. Her choice to remain private has made her a mystery to many, but those who knew her personally describe her as a warm and caring individual.

Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through her children and family. While Phil Donahue continued his life in the public eye, Marge Cooney’s quiet and reserved nature set her apart as a private yet significant figure in his story.

FAQs

Who was Marge Cooney?

Marge Cooney was the ex-wife of Phil Donahue, a famous talk show host. She lived a private life away from the public eye and was known for being a devoted mother to their five children.

When did Marge Cooney marry Phil Donahue?

Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue got married in 1958. Their marriage lasted 17 years before they divorced in 1975.

How many children did Marge Cooney have?

Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue had five children together. She focused on raising them while Phil pursued his television career.

Why did Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue divorce?

The exact reasons are not publicly known, but it is believed that Phil Donahue’s growing career and busy schedule may have contributed to their separation.

Did Marge Cooney remarry after her divorce?

There is no public record of Marge Cooney remarrying after her divorce from Phil Donahue. She chose to live a private life away from media attention.

What was Marge Cooney’s profession?

There is little information about her professional career. She primarily focused on being a mother and homemaker during her marriage to Phil Donahue.

When did Marge Cooney pass away?

Marge Cooney passed away in 2018. However, her death was not widely reported, as she lived a private life away from the media.

Where did Marge Cooney live after her divorce?

After her divorce, she moved away from the public eye and likely lived in a quiet location, spending time with her family and close friends.

Is Marge Cooney still alive?

No, Marge Cooney passed away in 2018. However, details about her passing remain private.

How is Marge Cooney remembered today?

She is remembered as a loving mother and Phil Donahue’s first wife. Her legacy lives on through her children and family.

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