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Ruth Westheimer, sex therapist known as ‘Dr. Ruth,’ dead at 96

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the iconic sex therapist whose cheerful and disarming advice helped educate millions of Americans about sexual desires and practices, has died, her publicist Pierre Lehu told CNN on Saturday. She was 96.

Sex therapist. media personality and author Ruth Westheimer is shown on stage in 1993.
Sex therapist. media personality and author Ruth Westheimer is shown on stage in 1993.

Ruth Westheimer, sex therapist known as ‘Dr. Ruth,’ dead at 96

The diminutive, grandmotherly Westheimer was a leading advocate of sexual education for decades, dispensing colorful, witty advice in her distinctive German accent.

“Dr. Ruth” – as she was more commonly know – died while her two children sat alongside at her home Friday around 11:30 p.m., Lehu said.

Her first radio call-in show, “Sexually Speaking,” debuted in New York in 1980 and proved so popular that it quickly became syndicated around the country.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Despite her global reputation, Dr. Ruth always considered her family her greatest achievement, often saying, "I am so proud of my children and grandchildren, and us as a family." In her later years, she continued to make appearances and promote sexual health education, maintaining a strong connection with her audience.

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