Jeanne Phillips Retires as Dear Abby Author After Four Decades

The transition marks a significant shift for the column, which has served as a cultural fixture since its 1956 debut. Andrews McMeel Syndication, the Kansas City-based firm that manages the feature, announced that a diverse group of editors will sustain the column’s voice. These writers have collaborated with Phillips for years, establishing a continuity of tone that aims to preserve the practical, compassionate advice readers expect. To ensure a smooth handoff, Phillips will continue to contribute answers periodically through the end of 2026.

A farewell letter from Phillips is scheduled for the July 27 edition. While she acknowledges the demands of a seven-day-a-week writing schedule, she expressed total confidence in her successor team. The new writers will maintain the column’s established network of professional consultants to verify the accuracy of their guidance. Despite the change in authorship, the submission process remains unchanged; fans can still reach out to the column via postal mail or online platforms to seek the wisdom that has defined the brand for nearly seven decades.