British author Dame Jilly Cooper, celebrated for her popular novels such as Rivals and Riders, has passed away at the age of 88.
Cooper’s most famous series, The Rutshire Chronicles, kicked off with *Riders* in 1985 and delved into the dramatic worlds of affluent rural society, exploring themes of intrigue, romance, and high-society dynamics.
The sequel, Rivals, released in 1988, recently gained new fame through a successful adaptation on Disney+ in the previous year. Throughout her career, she achieved remarkable sales, with over 11 million copies sold in the UK.
In a heartfelt statement, her children Felix and Emily shared: “Our mother was the radiant center of our world. Her boundless affection for family and friends was truly unmatched. Her sudden passing has left us devastated.”
They continued: “We’re immensely proud of her accomplishments, and it’s hard to picture our days without her joyful grin and infectious chuckles filling the air.”
According to her publisher, Cooper died on Sunday morning following an accidental fall.
Her literary agent, Felicity Blunt, paid tribute to the author, describing her as “profoundly empathetic, incredibly kind-hearted, keenly perceptive, and endlessly entertaining.”
Blunt noted: “While often labeled as racy page-turners, her stories have endured remarkably well, offering deep perspectives on topics like social hierarchies, relationships, partnerships, competition, loss, and family planning.
“Her narratives were complex yet bold, laced with astute commentary and clever wit.
“She frequently drew from personal experiences for her work, evoking a Jane Austen-like scrutiny of cultural biases and conventions.”
