When it comes to sex positivity, there was no one that came to mind more than the one and only Dr. Ruth.

Ruth Westheimer, the beloved and pioneering sex therapist who became famous as “Dr. Ruth,” died on Friday at her home in Manhattan at the age of 96. Her death was confirmed by her longtime publicist, Pierre Lehu.

Dr. Westheimer, a diminutive yet dynamic figure, was celebrated for her frank and often humorous approach to discussing sex and relationships on radio and television. She first gained prominence in 1980 with her radio show “Sexually Speaking,” a 15-minute segment on WYNY in New York that aired after midnight on Sundays. Her candid discussions and advice quickly resonated with listeners, transforming her into a national media celebrity.

During the 1980s, Dr. Ruth’s popularity soared. She hosted syndicated live call-in shows on both radio and television, wrote a column for Playgirl magazine, and authored numerous guidebooks on sexuality. Her influence extended beyond broadcasting; she even lent her name to a board game and a computer version and appeared in advertisements for a variety of products, including cars, soft drinks, and condoms.

Dr. Ruth’s approach to sex education was groundbreaking. Her shows and public appearances helped demystify and destigmatize discussions about sex. She was known for her direct yet compassionate advice, often delivered with a sense of humor that made taboo topics more accessible.

Born Karola Ruth Siegel on June 4, 1928, in Wiesenfeld, Germany, Dr. Westheimer’s early life was marked by tragedy. As a child, she was sent to Switzerland to escape the Holocaust, while her parents were killed at Auschwitz. Despite these early hardships, she pursued education with determination, eventually earning a degree from the Sorbonne in Paris.

In the early 1950s, Dr. Westheimer moved to Israel, where she joined the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization, and trained as a sniper. Though she never saw combat, she was severely injured by an exploding shell in 1948. Later, she moved to New York City, where she earned a master’s degree at the New School for Social Research and a doctorate in education from Columbia University.

Dr. Westheimer’s career took off when she became the project director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Harlem in 1967. She continued her studies in human sexuality at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital under the guidance of pioneering sex therapist Helen Singer Kaplan. This training set the stage for her influential work in media.

Her radio show “Sexually Speaking” was just the beginning. Dr. Ruth’s engaging personality and expertise led to television shows, including “Good Sex! With Dr. Ruth Westheimer,” which aired on Lifetime. She became a sought-after speaker on college campuses and appeared in various media formats, including a role in the French film “One Woman or Two.”

Dr. Westheimer’s contributions extended beyond media. She published over 30 books on sex and relationships and maintained a private sex-therapy practice. In 2019, her life and career were chronicled in the documentary “Ask Dr. Ruth,” directed by Ryan White.

In November 2023, she was appointed New York State’s first honorary “ambassador to loneliness” by Governor Kathy Hochul, a role she herself had proposed to address social isolation and its associated health issues.

Dr. Westheimer married Manfred Westheimer, a telecommunications engineer, in 1961. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1997. She is survived by her children, Joel and Miriam, and four grandchildren.

Her unique approach to discussing sex and relationships left an indelible mark on American culture. “I am promoting sexual literacy in a time of unprecedented sexual freedom,” she once said, summarizing her mission. Dr. Ruth’s ability to blend humor with serious advice made her a beloved figure who educated millions while breaking down barriers.

Ruth Westheimer’s life was a testament to resilience and the power of education. From surviving the Holocaust to becoming a cultural icon, she leaves behind a legacy of openness, humor, and compassion in discussions about sex and relationships. Her work not only changed the way people talk about sex but also how they understand and embrace their own sexuality. Dr. Ruth will be remembered as a pioneering voice in sexual education and a cherished figure in the hearts of many.