Dr. Ruth Felt the Pages of Her Upcoming Book Before Death, Co-Author Says

Dr. Ruth fulfilled a cherished goal before her passing.

American sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer passed away at the age of 96 on Friday, July 12, as confirmed by her publicist and frequent co-author Pierre Lehu. Dr. Ruth, widely known for her candid discussions about sex and relationships, died at her New York City home. The exact cause of her death has not been confirmed by sources including The New York Times and The Washington Post.

In the final months of her life, Dr. Ruth collaborated with Pierre Lehu and co-author Allison Gilbert on a book aimed at helping people understand and combat loneliness. Titled The Joy of Connections, the book will be released by Penguin Random House this September. The book promises to offer readers "100 ways to beat loneliness and live a happier and more meaningful life."

Dr. Ruth served as the Ambassador to Loneliness, a position appointed to her by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in November 2023. This appointment underscored her dedication to addressing the issue of isolation. In an exclusive interview, Allison Gilbert shared her experience working with Dr. Ruth on this meaningful project. Gilbert recounted the emotional moment when their book editor presented Dr. Ruth with a bound copy of The Joy of Connections. Dr. Ruth’s hands ran over the pages, relishing a tangible symbol of their hard work.

A heartfelt photograph captures the hands of Gilbert, Lehu, and Dr. Ruth on the book. To Gilbert, this moment was a milestone, epitomizing their nearly weekly meetings dedicated to bringing the project to fruition. Despite her illustrious career and busy schedule, Dr. Ruth was noted for her focus on deep, meaningful work, especially as she neared the end of her life.

Dr. Ruth’s journey began in Germany in 1928. She survived the Holocaust thanks to her mother’s unyielding bravery, sending her to safety on a "kindertransport" train to Switzerland. This traumatic experience of losing her family left an indelible mark on her, shaping a profound understanding of loneliness that deeply influenced her work.

According to Gilbert, the upcoming book is anchored in Dr. Ruth’s life and her own experiences with loneliness. The book is filled with actionable advice, reflecting Dr. Ruth’s preference for speed and action. "There are 100 ways to combat loneliness that we can all take to heart and act upon immediately," Gilbert remarked.

In her extensive career, Dr. Ruth aimed to help marginalized and isolated communities feel connected. Her friendships were lifelong, and she made everyone around her feel special. Gilbert felt privileged to have received Dr. Ruth’s "beautiful attention" and warmth.

The Joy of Connections will be available starting September 3 and is currently available for preorder.

Source: The New York Times, The Washington Post, PEOPLE