Pauline Phillips (July 4, 1918 – December 9, 2013) was an American newspaper columnist, author, and radio personality best known for writing the syndicated advice column “Dear Abby” under the pen name Abigail Van Buren. Her column, which offered personal advice on a wide range of social, ethical, and interpersonal issues, became one of the most widely read and influential advice columns in United States newspaper history.
Early life and education
Phillips was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to a Jewish family. She attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1939. After graduation, she worked as a copywriter and later as a freelance writer, contributing to magazines such as Ladies' Home Journal and Liberty.
Career
In 1951, Phillips launched “Dear Abby” in the San Francisco Chronicle, initially using the pseudonym “Abigail Van Buren.” The column quickly gained popularity for its concise, pragmatic tone and empathetic advice. By the 1960s, the column was syndicated nationally, appearing in over 1,300 newspapers at its peak, reaching an estimated audience of 30 million readers. Phillips authored several books compiling her columns, including Dear Abby: Advice for the Ages (1976) and The Road to Success: Advice from Dear Abby (1999).
In addition to her newspaper work, Phillips hosted the “Dear Abby” radio program, which aired on various stations and provided live advice to callers. She also appeared on television programs as an advisor and commentator on social issues.
Personal life
Phillips married Martin Phillip (originally Martin R. Fisher) in 1941; the couple had three children, including daughter Jeanne Phillips, who succeeded her mother as the writer of “Dear Abby” after Pauline retired in 2002. Pauline and her sister, Eppie Lederer, were both prominent advice columnists; Lederer wrote the “Ask Marion” column.
Later years and legacy
Phillips retired from the column in 2002, passing the mantle to Jeanne Phillips, who continues to write under the “Abigail Van Buren” byline. Pauline Phillips died at age 95 in Larchmont, New York, from natural causes.
Phillips’ work is credited with shaping the modern advice‑column genre, influencing both public discourse on private matters and the format of personal advice in media. Her column is noted for its blend of humor, moral guidance, and adherence to a relatively conservative social viewpoint, reflecting mid‑20th‑century American cultural norms.