Beloved Author Jilly Cooper Dies at Age 88

LONDON (AP) — British author Jilly Cooper, celebrated for her bestselling novels including “Riders” and “Rivals,” has died at the age of 88. Her family confirmed that Cooper passed away following a fall on Sunday.

Her children, Felix and Emily, expressed their grief in a statement, describing their mother as “the shining light in all of our lives.” They said, “Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock.”

Cooper’s longtime agent, Felicity Blunt, reflected on her legacy, stating, “The privilege of my career has been working with a woman who has defined culture, writing and conversation for over fifty years.” She added that Cooper would be remembered for her beloved series The Rutshire Chronicles, particularly its charismatic hero, Rupert Campbell-Black.

Cooper’s work was known for its razor-sharp humor and insightful takes on contemporary life, tackling themes like class, sex, and rivalry. Blunt remarked, “You wouldn’t expect books categorized as bonkbusters to have stood the test of time, but Jilly wrote with acuity about many aspects of society.”

Bursting onto the literary scene in the 1980s, Cooper quickly became a staple in the “bonkbuster” genre with her portrayals of upper-class life. Her final years included serving as an executive producer for a television adaptation of her novel Happy Prince, featuring actors like David Tennant and Alex Hassell.

Reflecting on the impact of Cooper’s work, Blunt stated, “Emotionally intelligent and sharply observant, she will be deeply missed by all at Curtis Brown. I have lost a friend, an ally, a confidante, and a mentor.”

A public service of thanksgiving for Cooper will be held at Southwark Cathedral in London in the coming months.