
Marge Cooney (also known as Margaret Cooney) was a celebrity spouse. She was the first wife of Phil Donahue, an American anchorman, author, and producer. They were married for 17 years and had five children together.
Quick Profile Summary Marge Cooney
- Name: Marge Cooney
- Date of Birth: Unknown
- Age: Unknown
- Birthplace: West Orange (New Jersey), USA
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Nationality: American
- hometown:
- Net Worth: Unknown
- School: Undetermined
- College: Marquette University
- Height: Unknown
- Weight: Unknown
- Body Dimensions: Not Specified
- Eye Color: Hazel
- Hair color: Grey
- Shoe Size: Unknown
- Father’s Name: Unknown
- Mother’s Name: Not Specified
- Jim Cooney, Brother: Unknown
- Sister: Unknown
- Boyfriend: Phil Donahue, whom she married in 1958.
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Husband: Phil Donahue (1958–1975)
- Children: Michael (Kevin), Daniel, James (Jim), and Daniel (Daniel) (son); Daughter: Marge Cooney
Marge Cooney Wiki/Biography
Marge Cooney is not a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. Her fame stems from her ex-husband, Phil Donahue, an American media personality, writer, and producer who graduated from Marquette University.
Marge Crooney Height, Weight, Age
Marge Cooney’s height and weight cannot be accurately determined; she was born in West Orange, NJ, and spent 30 years living between Chatham, NJ, and Boca Raton, FL, before returning to Sea Girt for 57 years as a summer home. Unfortunately, Marge’s exact birthdate remains unconfirmed.
Marge Cooney’s net worth:
Phil Donahue’s wife was renowned for being a celebrity spouse. Unfortunately, we don’t know much about her professional background or net worth; however, we can assume that Phil Donahue himself is worth an impressive $150 million dollars.
Marge Cooney’s boyfriend, husband, and family
Unfortunately, the identities of her parents and siblings remain unknown. Rumors have swirled that Jim Cooney may be her brother; however, this information has yet to be confirmed.
Margaret Cooney Donihue and Phil began their relationship while still in college. They were true sweethearts from the start.

Marge and Chris met while Marge was still at Marquette University; they started dating immediately and spent quality time together to deepen their relationship.
After graduating in 1957, Marge became engaged to Phil. Only close family, friends, and relatives were present at their private wedding ceremony on February 1, 1958. It was an enchanting time for them both as they embarked on their wonderful journey together.
Marge and Phil Donahue had five children together: Michael Donahue (1959), Kevin Donahue (1961), Daniel (1961), and James (Jim) Donahue (1963). Mary Rose Donahue (1955) was their only child, born in 1965.
The marriage was not without its difficulties. In 1973, Maggie Cooney returned to New Mexico with her children and rented an apartment, leaving behind the three Phil Donahue children.
After 10 months apart, Phil and Marge Donahue decided to get back together. Unfortunately, after only four months of reconciliation, the couple parted ways once more.
Their divorce was finalized in 1975. Mary Rose Donahue was the daughter of Phil Donahue and received custody of his four children, while Marge Cooney received sole custody. They had been married for 17 years prior to this event.
After his divorce, Phil Dona has moved on with his life. Marlo Thomas, an American actress, served as his wife, and they currently reside in Manhattan, USA. Marlo became Phil’s stepmother since they didn’t have children together.
Phil and Marlo celebrated their 40 years of marriage by posting a photo to their official Instagram account in May 2020.
Marlo Thomas had four close family members before Phil, including David Geffen in 1996, Herb Gardner in 1971, and Ron DeBlasio in 1972. She was actively involved in charity work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, founded by her father in 1962, which she supported financially.
What happened to Cooney? Is Marge Cooney still alive or dead?
Marge Cooney is a Brandywine at Wall resident and member of Spring Lake Golf Club and St Mark’s Church in Sea Girt, NJ; additionally, she belonged to St Joan of Arc Church in Boca Raton, FL, and served on its volunteer committee.
Margaret Cooney’s obituary provides details about her passing. In April 2014, her youngest son James (known as Jim) passed away at 51 from an aneurysm while living in Honolulu, where he practiced law.
Career
Marge Cooney is best remembered for her marriage to Phil Donahue, an actor in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, few details about her career were shared at that time, as she had no prior connections. On the other hand, Phil had a successful career after leaving Marge’s life at that time.
Her ex-husband’s career
He was born on December 21st, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, and made his television debut with the Phil Donahue show (which featured audience participation). This proved to be his first talk-show appearance.
His career started out as a production assistant, then he held positions like program director and stringer. Anchor was his final title. Throughout this time period, he conducted many interviews with celebrities and earned himself 20 Emmy Awards during its course.
Facts/Trivia
- She wasn’t a showbiz star.
- Her husband’s estimated worth is $150 million, suggesting she may have received a substantial amount in alimony after the divorce.
- Marge Cooney lived a quiet life, keeping out of the spotlight.
- Marge’s brother Jim Cooney met Phil through theater, and they quickly became close friends. Later, Jim introduced Marge to him.
- On February 5, 1958, she wed Phil at San Felipe de Neri Cathedral in New Mexico, one of America’s oldest cathedrals.
- On their 40th wedding anniversary in 2020, Phil and Marlo published a book entitled “What Makes a Marriage Last” to commemorate the occasion.
- Unfortunately, Marge’s youngest child, James (Jim), passed away in 2014 at 51 years old.
Final Thoughts
Marge Cooney was best known as Phil Donahue’s ex-wife. He was an acclaimed American anchorman, author, and producer; they were married for 17 years and had five children together. Unfortunately for Marge, little information about her personal life, such as her net worth or age, exists publicly.
On February 2, 2018, she passed away, leaving behind a loving family and an active community. Though she is gone, she will always be remembered as Phil’s former wife and a devoted mother to her children.
FAQS:
Where and when was Marge Cooney born?
Marge Cooney may not have been born on the exact date listed, but her hometown is West Orange, New Jersey.
What was Marge’s profession?
Marge Cooney is best known as Phil Donahue’s former wife. Unfortunately, there are no details available about her profession.
How many children did Marge and Phil Cooney have together?
Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue had five children together—four boys and one girl.
When was Marge Cooney’s wedding to Phil Donahue?
Marge Cooney and Phil Donahue were married on February 1, 1958.
When did Marge and Phil Cooney legally divorce?
After 17 years of marriage, Marge Cooney divorced Phil Donahue in 1975.
When did Marge Cooney die?
On February 2, 2018, Marge Cooney passed away at Brandywine at Wall.
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