Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue are a legendary couple who have not only shared their lives together for over 40 years but have also written a book about the secrets to a lasting marriage. In their novel, “What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets,” they open up about their own relationship and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Surprisingly, Marlo, who had never been keen on marriage, found herself falling in love with Phil. In the book, she candidly admitted, “Marriage is like a vacuum cleaner: you stick it to your ear, and it sucks out all your energy and ambition.” She had always seen marriage as something that would hold her back, until she met Phil.

Phil Donahue, known for his popular talk show “Donahue,” met Marlo in 1977. At the time, he already had four children from his previous marriage. Marlo and Phil dated for three years before they finally tied the knot in 1980 in a small, intimate ceremony. Their wedding was a surprise to many, especially Marlo’s friends and family who had known her aversion to marriage.

One particularly memorable anecdote from the couple’s book recounts Marlo’s bridal shower, where her friends put up quotes from her expressing her skepticism about marriage. Even Marlo’s own mother couldn’t believe her daughter was getting married and asked Phil, “How did you get her to do this?” It seemed that everyone, including strangers, was taken aback by Marlo’s change of heart.

But Marlo didn’t let doubt or outside opinions get in the way of building a strong and enduring relationship with Phil. Despite the challenges they faced, including time apart due to their respective careers, they made their marriage work. They learned that marriage could be defined differently for different couples, and they were determined to make it work for them.

Marlo embraced Phil’s children as her own, not as a replacement for their biological mother, but as a friend and mentor. Over the years, her relationship with them has grown stronger, and she has become an integral part of their lives.

For Marlo and Phil, trust has been the foundation of their marriage. They believe in always having each other’s backs and supporting one another unconditionally. Their trust and commitment have been key to their successful and lasting relationship.

After more than four decades of marriage, Marlo and Phil still have more memories to create together. They believe that a marriage lasts when both partners are truly committed to making it work. Looking back, Marlo wouldn’t have it any other way. Phil has been her rock, supporting her in every possible way.

Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s love story is an inspiration to all of us. They have shown us that marriage can be a beautiful bond when both partners are fully committed to each other. Their book, “What Makes a Marriage Last,” is a testament to their enduring love and their desire to share the secrets to a successful marriage with the world.