Renowned sex therapist and talk show host Dr. Ruth Westheimer, known affectionately as Dr. Ruth, passed away on Friday at the age of 96. Her publicist confirmed the news to CBS News, although the cause of her death was not disclosed.
Dr. Ruth was a pioneer in openly discussing sex and intimate subjects, becoming a pop culture icon and best-selling author with books like “Sex for Dummies”. She advocated for open conversations about sex with a non-judgmental approach, breaking down taboos and providing valuable information to the public.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Dr. Ruth was a Holocaust survivor who lost her parents during the atrocities of World War II. She was sent to Switzerland at a young age to escape the violence of Kristallnacht, a prelude to the Holocaust. Dr. Ruth never saw her parents again and believed they perished in the gas chambers of Auschwitz.
In the 1980s, Dr. Ruth gained national fame with her radio program “Sexually Speaking”, which later led to a nationally syndicated television show and advice column. She authored over 40 books on the subject of sex and relationships, aiming to demystify the topic and provide valuable guidance to her audience.
Dr. Ruth’s impact extended beyond her media appearances, as she was appointed as New York’s honorary ambassador to loneliness last year. She expressed her deep honor and commitment to helping New Yorkers feel less isolated in her new role.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ruth made numerous appearances on popular talk shows and media outlets, spreading her message of sexual health and positivity. Her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of sex therapy and education will continue to inspire and educate generations to come.
