Pauline Phillips

Pauline Phillips, born Pauline Esther Friedman on July 4, 1918, in Sioux City, Iowa, was a pioneering American advice columnist and radio host. Under the pen name Abigail Van Buren, she launched the iconic "Dear Abby" column in 1956, which became the most widely syndicated advice column in the world, reaching over 1,400 newspapers and 110 million readers . Phillips' twin sister, Esther Pauline "Eppie" Lederer, wrote the competing column "Ask Ann Landers", leading to a notable sibling rivalry in the advice column arena.

Phillips' writing was characterized by its wit, compassion, and straightforwardness. She addressed a wide range of topics, from relationship advice to social issues, always with a blend of humor and sincerity. Her approach made her a trusted confidante to millions, and her influence extended beyond her column. She was known for her advocacy on various social issues, including gay rights, and for personally reaching out to readers in crisis, sometimes even calling them to offer support .

Among Pauline Phillips' memorable quotes is: “Loneliness is the ultimate poverty.” This reflects her deep empathy for those feeling isolated. Another notable line is: “If you want a place in the sun, you've got to put up with a few blisters.” These words encapsulate her belief in resilience and the importance of enduring challenges to achieve personal growth. Phillips' legacy continues through her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, who took over the column in 2002 and continues to write under the Abigail Van Buren name .