Jilly Cooper, Renowned Author, Dies at 88

**Jilly Cooper, Renowned Author, Dies at 88** Jilly Cooper, a celebrated British author known for her bestselling novels, has passed away at the age of 88. Her family announced that her unexpected death followed a fall, describing it as a complete shock. Cooper was particularly famous for her works in "The Rutshire Chronicles," which explored the lives and scandals of the affluent horse-riding community in 1980s England. Her novels, including "Rivals" and "Riders," sold millions of copies in the UK and gained international acclaim. "Rivals" was adapted into a successful Disney+ series last year, featuring actors David Tennant and Aidan Turner, with a second season currently in production. Felicity Blunt, Cooper's agent, expressed her admiration, stating, "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." Blunt highlighted Cooper's impact on literature, particularly through her "Rutshire Chronicles" series, which featured the notorious character Rupert Campbell-Black. Born in 1937 in Essex, Cooper began her career in journalism at a local newspaper in Brentford. She gained prominence in 1969 when "The Sunday Times" published her story about being an "undomesticated" homemaker, leading to a column that ran for over 13 years. Her first book, "How to Stay Married," was also published in 1969. Cooper's family released a heartfelt statement, saying, "Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. 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." In recognition of her contributions to literature, Cooper was awarded a damehood by King Charles last year, an honor she described as "orgasmic." Blunt praised Cooper's unique ability to blend humor with insightful commentary on class, sex, marriage, and societal norms. Cooper's novels often drew inspiration from her own life experiences, and her writing has been compared to that of Jane Austen for its keen observations of society. She was appointed OBE in 2004 and received a CBE in 2018 for her services to literature and charity. A long-time friend of Queen Camilla, Cooper recently participated in the Queen’s Reading Room festival, where she discussed her life and work. Jilly Cooper's legacy as a writer will endure through her extensive body of work, which continues to resonate with readers around the world.