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From ABC News |
Disney/Jennifer Pottheiser
Elton-John paid tribute to the talk show host Phil Donahuewho died on Sunday at the age of 88 from an unspecified illness.
In an article about Elton’s Instagram story — Attributed to Elton, David Furnish and the Elton John AIDS Foundation – Donahue was described as a “trailblazer who gave a voice to those affected by HIV and AIDS when stigma was at its peak.”
One of the voices Donahue had on his show was that of a teenager Ryan Whitewho became infected with AIDS through a blood transfusion.
Elton noted in his tribute that Donahue had Ryan on his show “when he was needed most and stressed the importance of acceptance and empathy.” He added: “Phil helped change hearts and minds and his legacy will be remembered forever. Rest in peace, Phil.”
A frequent guest on Donahue’s daytime talk show, Ryan was battling with his local school district to keep him in school; he became a national spokesperson for the disease.
Elton became friends with Ryan and his family. When Ryan died in 1990 at the age of 18, Elton was one of the pallbearers at his funeral and sang the song “Skyline Pigeon.” He often cited Ryan’s death as one of the reasons he got sober.
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