Rivals author Dame Jilly Cooper has died, aged 88 View Image

Rivals author Dame Jilly Cooper has died, aged 88. In a statement, her children Felix and Emily said: "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."

Dame Jilly Cooper’s agent Felicity Blunt said: “The privilege of my career has been working with a woman who has defined culture, writing and conversation since she was first published over fifty years ago.

“Jilly will undoubtedly be best remembered for her chart-topping series The Rutshire Chronicles and its havoc-making an

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