Category for sites pertaining to Ann Landers. Birth name Esther Pauline Friedman Born in Sioux City, Iowa on July 4, 1918. She was an advice columnist from 1955 until her death on June 22, 2002. Her column appeared in more than 1,200 newspapers. She is survived by her twin sister, Abigail Van Buren, who is also a famous advice columnist ("Dear Abby").