BREAKING: Renowned British author Jilly Cooper, famed for her bestselling risque novels including Rivals and Riders, has died at the age of 88. Her family confirmed her unexpected death in a statement released on Monday, describing it as a complete shock.
Cooper’s literary legacy includes the iconic Rutshire Chronicles, a series that intricately depicted the glamorous yet scandalous lives of the affluent horse-riding community in 1980s England. Her books have sold millions of copies, captivating readers across the UK and beyond.
In a remarkable turn of events, Cooper’s Rivals was adapted into a successful Disney+ series in 2024, featuring stars such as David Tennant and Alex Hassell. The adaptation highlighted her enduring impact on popular culture.
Her long-time agent, Felicity Blunt, expressed profound gratitude for having worked with Cooper, stating,
“The privilege of my career has been working with a woman who has defined culture, writing and conversation since she was first published over fifty years ago.”
Blunt emphasized that Cooper will be remembered for her unforgettable characters, particularly the dashing Rupert Campbell-Black, the notorious hero of her series.
Born in 1937, Cooper began her career in journalism at a local newspaper in Brentford, where she covered a range of topics from social gatherings to sports. Her breakthrough came in 1969 when an article in The Sunday Times about being an “undomesticated homemaker” led to a popular column that spanned over 13 years. Following that, she wrote for The Mail on Sunday for five years.
Cooper’s debut book, How to Stay Married, was published the same year, marking the start of a prolific writing career that would define a genre. She gained a fervent fan base, including notable figures like former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who praised her work for providing “escapism” amidst the chaos of life.
This sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the literary community and her vast audience, prompting an outpouring of tributes. As we reflect on her significant contributions to literature, many are left asking how her passing will affect the future of contemporary romance and literary culture.
As tributes continue to flow, readers and fans are encouraged to remember Cooper’s vibrant spirit and the joy her stories brought to countless lives. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the legacy she leaves behind.
