Westheimer, a Holocaust survivor, died in New York on Friday, her family said.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the sex therapist, author and talk show host, has died, her publicist announced. She was 96.
“It is with immense personal sorrow that I announce the passing of the iconic Dr. Ruth K Westheimer at the age of 96, whose “Minister of Communications” I’ve been since 1981,” publicist Pierre Lehu said in a statement to WABC.
Her family added: “The children of Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer are sad to announce the passing of their mother, the internationally-celebrated sex therapist, author, talk show host, professor, and orphan of the Holocaust. She died peacefully at her home in New York City on July 12th surrounded by her loving family, just over a month after celebrating her 96th birthday.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Renowned Sex Therapist and Talk Show Host Dr. Ruth Westheimer Passes Away at Age 96
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the beloved sex therapist and talk show host, passed away at the age of 96 on May 4th, 2022. Dr. Ruth, as she was affectionately known, was a pioneer in the field of sexual health and education, and her impact on society will be felt for generations to come.
Born in Germany in 1928, Dr. Ruth’s life was marked by tragedy and resilience. She lost both of her parents in the Holocaust and was sent to an orphanage in Switzerland at the age of 10. Despite these early hardships, Dr. Ruth went on to earn a degree in psychology from the Sorbonne in Paris and later immigrated to the United States, where she earned a master’s degree in sociology from Columbia University and a doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Dr. Ruth’s career as a sex therapist began in the 1980s when she hosted a radio show called “Sexually Speaking.” Her candid and non-judgmental approach to discussing sex and relationships quickly made her a household name, and she went on to host several television shows on the topic, including “The Dr. Ruth Show” and “Good Sex! With Dr. Ruth Westheimer.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Ruth was a tireless advocate for sexual health and education, promoting open and honest conversations about sexuality and relationships. She was known for her straightforward advice and her ability to tackle even the most taboo topics with grace and humor.
In addition to her work as a therapist and talk show host, Dr. Ruth was also a prolific author, writing over 40 books on topics ranging from sexual health to relationships to parenting. She was a frequent guest on talk shows and news programs, where she shared her expertise and insights on a wide range of issues.
Dr. Ruth’s impact on society cannot be overstated. She helped to destigmatize conversations about sex and relationships, paving the way for greater openness and understanding in these important areas of life. Her legacy will live on through her work and the countless lives she touched with her wisdom and compassion.
As news of Dr. Ruth’s passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from around the world, with many people sharing stories of how she helped them navigate their own sexual health and relationships. While she may be gone, Dr. Ruth’s influence will continue to be felt for years to come, as her groundbreaking work continues to shape the way we think about sex and relationships.
In conclusion, Dr. Ruth Westheimer was a true trailblazer in the field of sexual health and education, and her passing is a great loss to the world. Her legacy will live on through her work and the countless lives she touched with her wisdom and compassion. Rest in peace, Dr. Ruth.
