Renowned British author Jilly Cooper has passed away at 88 following a fall, leaving her family in shock at the news of her unexpected death.
The cherished novelist, known for her romantic works such as Riders, Rivals, and Polo, died on the morning of Sunday, October 5, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
In a heartfelt statement, her children, Felix and Emily, expressed their sorrow: “Mum was the shining light of all of our lives. Her love for each of us was boundless. Her sudden passing has left us all in disbelief. We are incredibly proud of all she accomplished in her lifetime and can’t fathom life without her radiant smile and infectious laughter.”
Cooper’s long-time agent, Felicity Blunt, shared her admiration, stating, “It has been a privilege to work with a woman who has shaped culture and conversation since her debut over fifty years ago. Jilly will be fondly remembered for her successful series The Rutshire Chronicles and her memorable character, Rupert Campbell-Black. Contrary to expectations for so-called bonkbusters, her work has remarkably endured the test of time as she explored themes of class, love, rivalry, and more with remarkable insight.”
Blunt further remarked, “Her storytelling was not only bold but also layered with clever insights and humor. Frequently drawing from her own experiences, her social critiques bore an Austenesque quality, exploring societal norms and biases. When praised for her work, she would humbly dismiss the compliment, stating she wrote merely to ‘add to the sum of human happiness.’ In that respect, she was unmatched as a writer.”
Born in 1937 in Essex, England, Cooper transitioned from journalism to become a renowned author. Her career soared following an unexpected conversation with the editor of The Sunday Times, which led her to become a relationships columnist before releasing her debut book, How To Stay Married, in 1969.
In 1961, she wed Leo Cooper, who also had a career in publishing. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 79. Together, they shared two children and five grandchildren.
Most recently, Cooper acted as executive producer for the Disney+ adaptation of her novel Rivals. “Her contributions to story and dialogue enriched the scripts, and her presence was a delight to both cast and crew,” Blunt stated. “Jilly Cooper was emotionally insightful, extraordinarily generous, and a joy to be around; she will be sorely missed by all of us at Curtis Brown and on the Rivals set. Personally, I have lost a dear friend, confidante, and mentor, but her legacy will live on through her writing.”
Her family is planning a public service of thanksgiving to honor her remarkable life at London’s Southwark Cathedral.
