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So sad. Pauline Phillips, who founded the ‘Dear Abby’ advice column, died on Jan. 16.

Pauline Phillips, also known as Abigail Van Buren to her millions of fans, left a legacy behind when she died on Jan. 16, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, a rep for the advice columnist told TMZ.

Pauline’s daughter, Jeanne, who took over the column, said, ”I have lost my mother, my mentor and my best friend.”

She added, “My mother leaves very big high heels to fill with a legacy of compassion, commitment and positive social change. I will honor her memory every day by continuing this legacy.”

The “Dear Abby” column first appeared in print in 1956, when Pauline was 37, and eventually grew to a daily audience of 100 million readers!

Throughout her career, Pauline used the pen name Abigail Van Buren. “Abigail” was derived from the wise woman in the Old Testament and “Van Buren” was used in honor of one of her favorite Presidents.

Pauline’s twin sister, Eppie Lederer, had a similar advice column called “Ask Ann Landers.” Eppie died in 2002 after battling bone cancer.

Our thoughts are with Pauline’s friends and family at this difficult time.

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers?

Watch The History Of Pauline Phillips’ ‘Dear Abby’ Column:

— Chris Rogers

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