RIP, Dearest Abby

MINNEAPOLIS — Pauline Friedman Phillips, who under the name of Abigail Van Buren, wrote the long-running “Dear Abby” advice column that was followed by millions of newspaper readers throughout the world, has died. She was 94.

Phillips was always in competition with her twin sister, the famous Ann Landers (Esther Lederer), but the two women brought advice columns to the attention of the general population.  They may not have been the first, or the only, but they were the best.  Their styles were different but that also let them cover wider topics.

Phillip's daughter had taken over the column years ago when Pauline was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  Though sources conflict, the rumor is that Phillips and her famous sister buried the hatchet after years of arguing.  Ann Landers eventually handed the column down to her daughter before she died in 2002.  Jeanne Phillips is better known as Dear Margo now.  The fact that just about everyone alive, old or young, knows the phrase "Dear Abby" is a testament to how many people this family of helpful authors have reached.

Rest in peace, dear lady.  You most certainly earned it.