**Beloved Author Dame Jilly Cooper Passes Away at 88** Dame Jilly Cooper, the acclaimed author known for her best-selling novels, has died at the age of 88 following a fall, her family has confirmed. The news was announced by her agent, with her children, Felix and Emily, expressing their shock at her unexpected passing. They described her as "a shining light in our lives" and added, "Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. 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." Cooper, who began her career as a journalist, transitioned to writing novels in the 1960s. Her first book, "How to Stay Married," was published in 1969. Initially focusing on non-fiction, her work explored relationships within an upper-middle-class context, themes that later permeated her fiction. In the 1970s, Cooper secured a six-book contract that launched her into the realm of fiction, leading to the creation of her popular Romance series. Each book in this series was named after a female character, drawing comparisons to the works of renowned author Nancy Mitford. Cooper's most notable works include the "Rutshire Chronicles," which features the beloved novels "Riders" and "Rivals." The latter was adapted into a successful television series starring David Tennant in 2024. The series delves into the complexities of domestic life, betrayal, and infidelity. Her literary contributions have sold over 11 million copies in the UK alone. The most recent addition to her oeuvre, "Tackle!", was published in 2023. Cooper's journey as a writer was not without its challenges; the original manuscript of "Riders" was lost on a bus, an event that left her devastated and delayed her writing for a decade. In addition to her adult novels, Cooper also authored a children's book series, "Little Mabel," which ran from 1980 to 1985, chronicling the adventures of a young puppy. Dame Jilly Cooper's legacy as a beloved author will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.