Jilly Cooper, the acclaimed British novelist famed for her provocative tales of class and sexuality, including “Riders” and “Rivals,” has passed away unexpectedly, as confirmed by her family and agent on Monday. She was 88 years old.
The beloved author succumbed to injuries sustained from a fall on Sunday, as reported by her literary agency, Curtis Brown, which managed her career.
“Our mother was the brightest star in our lives,” her children, Felix and Emily, stated. “Her untimely departure has taken us completely by surprise.”
Cooper captivated readers with her “Rutshire Chronicles,” starting with “Riders” in 1985, a humorous and steamy series that depicted the romantic exploits, scandals, and lavish lifestyles of the affluent equestrian community in 1980s England.
The series, comprising 11 novels, sold millions of copies across the UK alone.
<p“Rivals,” one of her notable works, was adapted into a successful Disney+ TV series last year, featuring performances from David Tennant and Alex Hassell.
Tributes poured in from Britain’s prime minister and the royal family following the news of Cooper’s passing on Monday.
Queen Camilla, the consort of King Charles III, referred to Cooper as “a legend,” reminiscing about her recent encounter with the author at a literary festival.
“I join my husband, the King, in extending my thoughts and condolences to her family. May her afterlife be filled with handsome men and devoted dogs,” Camilla remarked.
Cooper expressed that Rupert Campbell-Black, the charming protagonist featured in many of her novels, was partly inspired by Andrew Parker Bowles, the former husband of Camilla.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer honored Cooper as “a literary icon whose humor, warmth, and insight shaped British culture for over five decades and delighted many.”
In 2004, Cooper was recognized with an OBE for her contributions to literature. She counted various admirers, including former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who noted that her works provided a sense of “escapism.”
Publisher Bill Scott-Kerr lauded Cooper for her “sharp social critiques and skillful character portrayals.”
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“She meticulously explored the behaviors, often negative, of the British upper middle class with remarkable clarity,” he remarked.
Her representative, Felicity Blunt, emphasized that Cooper “shaped culture, literature, and dialogue since her debut over half a century ago.”
“Emotionally astute, wonderfully generous, keenly observant, and a sheer delight, Jilly Cooper will be profoundly missed by all at Curtis Brown and on the set of ‘Rivals,’” she added.
Born in 1937 in Essex, Cooper began her career in journalism at a local publication in Brentford, covering a range of topics from social events to soccer.
She later transitioned to public relations but faced numerous job dismissals—over 20—before moving into publishing. She wed publisher Leo Cooper in 1961.
Her big break came in 1969 when The Sunday Times published her insightful article about the trials of being a young working wife.
She continued as a columnist for the newspaper for more than 13 years.
Her first novel, “How to Stay Married,” debuted in 1969, and she later published approximately 18 novels along with several other pieces across genres. Her latest work, “Tackle!,” was launched in 2023.
