Abigail Van Buren, born on July 4, 1918, was a prominent American advice columnist, best known for her pen name, Dear Abby. She took over the column from her mother, Pauline Phillips, in 1963 and continued to write it until her retirement in 2002. Her straightforward and compassionate advice made her a beloved figure in American media. Throughout her career, Abigail Van Buren addressed a wide range of topics, including relationships, family issues, and social concerns. Her column was published in thousands of newspapers, reaching millions of readers and establishing her as a significant voice in the world of advice columns.