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Farewell To Jilly Cooper, The Beloved British Novelist

Beloved British novelist Dame Jilly Cooper died at 88, leaving behind stories full of love, humour, and joy that touched millions. Thousands, including Queen Camilla, wrote tributes.

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The literary world is mourning the loss of Jilly Cooper, the celebrated British author, who died on October 5 at the age of 88. Her literary agency, Curtis Brown, confirmed the news in an obituary, explaining that she died after a fall. Her children, Felix and Emily, said in a statement, "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. 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."

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Known for her wit, charm, and lively portrayals of English society, Cooper’s work brought joy to millions of readers over decades.

Who Was Jilly Cooper?

Born Jill Sallitt on February 21, 1937, in Essex, she grew up in a military family and spent her early years in Yorkshire and Surrey. Cooper began her career in publishing and journalism, writing columns that reflected everyday British life with warmth and humour.

Her breakthrough as a novelist came in 1985 with Riders, the first book in her famous Rutshire Chronicles. The series, which includes Rivals, Polo, Mount!, Jump!, and Tackle!, introduced iconic characters like Rupert Campbell-Black and blended romance, comedy, and social satire. While often called “bonkbusters,” Cooper’s novels also explored loyalty, ambition, love, and friendship, making her stories relatable and enduring.

In 2024, she was honoured as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to literature and charity. She had previously been appointed CBE in 2018 and OBE in 2004. Her novel Rivals was adapted into a Disney+ series in 2024, bringing her world of Rutshire to a new generation of viewers.

Outside writing, Cooper loved animals, particularly dogs and horses, often describing her happiest moments as those spent with them at her Gloucestershire home. She was married to Leo Cooper from 1961 until he died in 2013, and the couple adopted two children, Felix and Emily.

Her final novel, Tackle! (2023), proved that even in her late eighties, her creativity and humour remained vibrant.

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Dame Jilly Cooper will be remembered not just as a bestselling author but as a woman who celebrated life with laughter, love, and storytelling. Her books continue to entertain, inspire, and delight readers around the world.

Tributes for Jilly Cooper

Millions are mourning the loss of a literary phenomenon who shaped their lives in many ways. Even Queen Camilla of the British royal family wrote a heartfelt message for her dear friend Cooper.

“She was a wonderfully witty and compassionate friend to me and so many," the Queen wrote. "I join my husband, The King, in sending our thoughts and sympathies to all her family. And may her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs.”

Here are more tributes to the novelist:

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