Jilly Cooper, the renowned British author celebrated for her beloved steamy romance novels, has passed away at the age of 88.
As reported by her agency, Curtis Brown, Cooper succumbed to injuries sustained from a fall.
“Mum was the bright light in our lives,” her children Felix and Emily expressed in a statement. “Her immense love for family and friends was boundless. Her unexpected passing has left us in utter shock. We are deeply proud of all her accomplishments and cannot envision life without her joyous smile and infectious laughter surrounding us.”
Cooper began her professional journey as a journalist before transitioning to the realm of romantic fiction. She rose to prominence with the “Rutshire Chronicles,” a captivating series centered around the British aristocracy and their scandalous romantic escapades, particularly highlighting the character Rupert Campbell-Black, a fictional politician. Her novels, often referred to as “bonkbusters,” became famous for their provocative narratives.
The debut novel, “Riders” (1985), became an international sensation, paving the way for subsequent works like “Rivals,” “Polo,” “The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous,” and “Appassionata.”
Cooper’s work has recently experienced a resurgence in popular culture, thanks in part to the Disney+ series based on “Rivals,” featuring David Tennant and Aidan Turner, which she executive produced. The show’s second season is currently in development.
“It has been a privilege to work with a woman who has shaped culture, literature, and conversation for over fifty years since her debut,” remarked her agent Felicity Blunt. “Jilly will be fondly remembered for her iconic series, The Rutshire Chronicles, highlighting the charming yet debauched Rupert Campbell-Black. It’s remarkable how works labeled as bonkbusters have endured through time, as Jilly wrote with sharp insight on various themes such as class, sex, marriage, rivalry, sorrow, and fertility. Her storytelling was both complex and daring, filled with astute commentary and delightful wit.”
Bill Scott-Kerr, Cooper’s publisher, added: “Collaborating with Jilly Cooper for the past thirty years has been one of the greatest joys of my publishing career. Beyond her brilliance as an author, she was my personal hero for innumerable reasons. Her warmth and friendship, her humor and unstoppable enthusiasm, her curiosity, her bravery, and her deep love for animals will always resonate with me.”
