Thomas went on to explain she would be taking a break from social media to “take care of myself and the many people who took care of Phil, and held him close to their hearts,” but she didn’t want to leave without saying a few words.

“I didn’t want to disappear without saying thank you for the beautiful messages of love and support that have been coming in all day, and for the wonderful and generous way that you’ve let Phil and me share our life adventure with you over the years,” she wrote alongside an old photo of the pair seated on a Vespa while on vacation.

The couple met in 1977 when Thomas appeared on Donahue’s talk show as a guest, and they married in 1980.

“It was kind of love at first sight,” Thomas recalled in 2021. “Something chemical happened.”

Thomas, who often shared photos of Donahue on her Instagram, thanked fans for the outpouring of support over the years.

“As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you’ve been sharing.”

Before signing off, Thomas wished her followers “good health and happy days in the company of family and friends.”

“And I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip.”