It was also Katie Couric, 67, who wrote on Facebook Monday morning that she was “so sad to hear this news.”

Oprah Winfrey, 70, a talk show host, talked about how much Phil helped her career.

“There wouldn’t have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,” she said on Instagram.

“He was a leader.” I’m glad I could thank him. Phil, please rest in peace.

Along with her tribute, Oprah shared an old picture of herself hugging the TV legend.