Tributes pour in for legendary novelist Dame Jilly Cooper after sudden death at 87

Tributes are flooding in for celebrated British author Dame Jilly Cooper, who passed away suddenly following a fall. The beloved writer, famously dubbed the Queen of the bonkbuster, sold over 12 million books during her remarkable career. Her children, Felix and Emily, described her passing on Sunday morning as a complete shock, calling her the shining light of their lives, Daily Mail reported. Dame Jilly, known for her racy yet witty storytelling, created The Rutshire Chronicles a hit book series that introduced readers to the glamorous, chaotic world of polo-playing elites and their scandalous love lives. Queen Camilla led tributes, describing Cooper as a legend and a wonderfully witty and compassionate friend. Camillas first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, was famously rumoured to have inspired Coopers most popular fictional character the charming but reckless Rupert Campbell-Black. She created a whole new genre of literature and made it her own through a career that spanned over five decades, the Queen said. Very few writers become legends in their lifetime, but Jilly was one. Fellow author Gyles Brandreth called her simply adorable, describing her as brilliant, beautiful, funny, sexy the best company, the most generous and kind-hearted friend. Actress Victoria Smurfit, who starred in the TV adaptation of Coopers Rivals, hailed her as a divine queen, while her agent, Felicity Blunt, described her as sharply observant and utter fun. Born in 1937, Jilly Coopers road to fame didnt come easily. She was fired from 22 PR jobs before publishing her first major hit, Riders, in 1985 at the age of 48. The novel became a publishing sensation and secured her place among Britains literary icons. Her success continued with titles like Rivals, Polo, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, and Jump!, all rich with humour, class drama, and unapologetic romance. Dame Jilly was married to her husband Leo Cooper for over five decades before his death from Parkinsons disease in 2013. The couple met as children at a party in the 1940s and later adopted two children, Felix and Emily. Despite facing a tough marriage including Leos affair in the 1990s she remained devoted to him until his passing. She once admitted she kept writing in her later years to help cover his medical expenses. Even in her 80s, Dame Jilly stayed active in both her work and social life. In August, she hosted a party at her Gloucestershire home for the cast of the new Rivals TV adaptation, attended by several friends including the ever-mischievous Andrew Parker Bowles. Her family said in their tribute:Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved and cant imagine life without her laughter and warmth. The Queen summed up her tribute with words that perfectly captured Jillys spirit:May her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs. A true literary icon, Dame Jilly Cooper leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable stories that redefined romance for generations.The post Tributes pour in for legendary novelist Dame Jilly Cooper after sudden death at 87 appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.