Marlo Thomas missed tonight’s episode of St. Jude after Phil Donahue’s death

Marla Thomas she still mourns the loss of her beloved husband Phil Donahue three months after his death.

On Monday, November 25, 87-year-old Thomas, who serves as national outreach director for St. Jude – a children’s research hospital founded in 1962 by her father, Danny Thomas – did not appear on the list Today a performance that kicks off the hospital’s annual “Thanksgiving and Giving” series. This is the first time she has not appeared on the show since she began campaigning with her siblings 21 years ago.

Later, her brother, Tony Thomas, appeared in her place Savannah Guthrie she said: “For the first time in the 21 years of our show, Marlo is not with us this morning. “Taking some time off after the loss of my beloved husband Phil Donahue.”

Donahue died in August at the age of 88 following a long illness, according to a family statement obtained by PEOPLE at the time, along with Marlo and his sister, kidsgrandchildren and Charlie the dog by his side.

Hoda Kotb he asked Tony how his sister was doing after Donahue’s death that summer, and he replied that Marlo was “doing as well as anyone could hope for.”

“She loved her man, it was 44 years of marriage where there was real love,” Tony said long-time couplewho married in 1980 after meeting on The Phil Donahue Show in 1977where sparks immediately flew.

“Everyone who called me said, ‘I can’t believe there was so much love and chemistry in their marriage.’ It was… they were very, very close and I think it will take a while for him to get over it.”

Tony confirmed that his sister will “return next year” and take part in the annual campaign, which raises money for the Free Children’s Hospital, working with brands across the country.

The Today Every year, the show also organizes a series of reports presenting the stories of St. Patrick’s patients. Judy and their families who benefited from his services.

Guthrie, 52, asked Tony to “give (Marlo) all our love. We know she will be very proud that you are here and talking about the work of Saint. Judy that means a lot to her and to you” and later said, “If Marlo is watching, we love you.”

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During this segment, Tony also reflected on the impact his father’s mission has had since he opened St. Jude.

“I think he would be amazed, but also shocked. It was a long time ago when they opened these doors. There was a period when they wrote checks for the salaries of doctors and scientists.”