Marlo Thomas Poses with Longtime Husband Phil Donahue on Connecticut Beach

Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue felt like they were a million miles away from home as they posed on a beach looking like newlyweds. They weren't the ones getting married though.

After 38 years of marriage, it's hard to imagine that Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue could look as radiant as they do today, but a recent photo proved that the pair are just as youthful in love as anyone else.

Marlo and Phil looked like they were in the tropics

The photo, which can be found below, featured the 81-year-old brunette and her 83-year-old husband posing at the forefront of a beach with palm trees set up on it.

The lovely couple smiled brightly while both wearing black ensembles. Former talk show host Donahue had both his arms wrapped around Thomas, who held onto a black bag and cream piece of clothing.

In the caption, she wrote:

"The reception was on the beach in Connecticut. It looks like Hawaii."

A prior photo revealed the context of the gorgeous beachside photo. The pair were at a reception for an Italian couple named Britany and Mike Mainiero.

Meeting later in life helped their relationship blossom

The happy new couple have a long way to go to reach Thomas and Donahue's status. When meeting in 1977 on "The Phil Donahue Show," both of them held mindsets that were against marriage.

In a self-written article from Thomas, the "That Girl" actress revealed that their age played a factor in decreasing the pressures of a relationship. However, it was difficult for the couple to go out on dates.

They both had busy schedules and established careers in different states. Following their hearts, they decided to try to make it work anyways. They got married in 1980.

Marlo on what keeps her marriage alive

Thomas talked to the Huffington Post regarding how they've stayed together ever since. The daughter of actor Danny Thomas credits good communication — in particular, listening — to her longlasting marriage.

Additionally, she made sure to mention that "sex, of course, is important," and getting inside your partner's head is key to constant improvement.

Thomas learned about the need to listen when her husband specifically told her that he doesn't want advice after their first ten years of marriage.

They share the same views on communication and humanitarian practices

In another interview, Thomas had just started her new theatre show, "Clever Little Lies." She revealed that the listening element goes both ways.

When Donahue comes to see her perform, he is there just for support and not to critique. "That's how we've been married for 35 years," Thomas said.

The couple also has a mutual focus on giving back to the community through the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which was founded by Thomas' father.

St. Jude's hospital has the support of the elite

In September, Richard Shadyac Jr., the CEO of St. Jude's fundraising arm, praised Thomas, her husband, and several others for their contribution.

The event was done to announce new pins that celebrities could wear on the Red Carpet at the 71st Emmy Awards o to show support for St. Jude's.

For her part, Thomas has raised millions for the hospital and is proud to continue her father's legacy at St. Jude. The hospital treats children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.