Jilly Cooper, beloved author of ‘Rivals’ and ‘Riders,’ dies at 88

Jilly Cooper, the renowned English author, has passed away at the age of 88.

Earlier today, Cooper’s longtime agent confirmed the saddening news while revealing that the writer died after a fall.

The late 88-year-old celebrities’ children Felix and Emily released an official statement expressing their grief on the tragic happening.

They wrote, “Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock.”

The statement continued, “We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us.”

On the other hand, agent Felicity Blunt also shared her emotions on the tragic passing of Jilly, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

Blunt added that she has had a privilege of working with the veteran author, who has “defined culture, writing and conversation since she first published over fifty years ago.”

“Jilly will undoubtedly be best remembered for her chart-topping series The Rutshire Chronicles and its havoc-making and handsome show-jumping hero Rupert Campbell-Black.”

“You wouldn’t expect books categorized as bonkbusters to have so emphatically stood the test of time, but Jilly wrote with acuity and insight about all things — class, sex, marriage, rivalry, grief and fertility.”

As per the agent, Cooper’s most plots were “both intricate and gutsy having sharp observations and wicked humour.”

The legendary writer began her career as a journalist and later wrote various non-fiction works before writing several romance novels.

Following her sudden death, a public service of thanksgiving in her honour will be held in the coming months in London.