Marge Cooney was the first wife of iconic talk show host Phil Donahue. They were married from 1958 to 1975 and had five children together. Their marriage, although full of memories, eventually ended in divorce, marking a significant chapter in both their lives. After the separation, Marge chose to step away from the public eye, unlike many in the spotlight, and lived a quieter, private life until her passing in 2018.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marge Cooney |
| Known For | First wife of Phil Donahue |
| Former Husband | Phil Donahue |
| Marriage Year | 1958 |
| Divorce Year | 1975 |
| Children | Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James |
| Famous Connection | Vivian Maier worked as a nanny for her sons |
| Life After Divorce | Lived privately away from media attention |
| Later Residence | New Mexico |
| Marital Status After Divorce | Remarried |
| Death | 2018 |
| Legacy | Remembered as Phil Donahue’s first wife and a private family-focused woman |
Early Life and Marriage to Phil Donahue
Marge Cooney was born in 1934 in the United States. She lived a life that was not in the public eye until she met Phil Donahue. Donahue, known for his groundbreaking talk show, was becoming a household name when he met Marge, who was a schoolteacher at the time.
Their marriage was one of the most talked-about in the 1960s and early 70s, not just because of their famous union, but also because of the family they created. They had five children together: Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James. Their children became a central part of their lives, and despite their parents’ public careers, they kept their family life relatively private.
The Role of Vivian Maier in the Cooney Household
One unique aspect of Marge and Phil Donahue’s family life was the employment of Vivian Maier, who later became famous as a photographer. At the time, Maier was unknown in the public eye but worked as a nanny for the Donahue children. This period was significant because Maier’s photographic work would not be recognized until after her passing, long after she worked with the family.
It’s fascinating to think that Marge Cooney’s family life was intertwined with someone who would go on to become a pivotal figure in the world of photography. This relationship speaks volumes about Marge’s ability to trust and bring unique individuals into her life, even during a period when she was navigating the complexities of a public marriage.
The Divorce and Life After Phil Donahue
Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue’s marriage ended in divorce in 1975. After their split, Marge chose to live a life away from the media spotlight. While Phil went on to build his career even further, Marge found solace and peace in her private life.
Marge returned to her home state of New Mexico, remarried, and spent her years out of the public eye. Her decision to lead a life outside the press allowed her to focus on her family and her own interests, which she had kept private from the world. This retreat into privacy was a stark contrast to the public persona of her ex-husband.
Marge Cooney’s Legacy and Final Years
Marge Cooney lived the last years of her life in New Mexico. She passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of being a supportive mother and a woman who valued her privacy and family life. Despite being married to one of the most famous television personalities of his time, Marge never sought to capitalize on that fame. She lived her life according to her values and preferred to keep her personal matters private, away from the glitzy world of Hollywood and media attention.
FAQs About Marge Cooney
1. Who was Marge Cooney?
Marge Cooney was the first wife of talk show host Phil Donahue. They were married from 1958 to 1975 and had five children together. After their divorce, Marge lived a quiet and private life.
2. How many children did Marge Cooney have?
Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue had five children together: Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James.
3. What did Marge Cooney do after her divorce?
After her divorce from Phil Donahue, Marge Cooney stepped away from the media spotlight. She moved back to New Mexico, remarried, and lived a private life until her passing in 2018.
4. What is the connection between Vivian Maier and Marge Cooney?
Vivian Maier, the now-famous photographer, worked as a nanny for Marge Cooney’s children during their time together. Maier was unknown at the time but would later be recognized for her photographic work.
5. When did Marge Cooney pass away?
Marge Cooney passed away in 2018, after living a quiet and private life following her divorce from Phil Donahue.
