The literary world is grieving the loss of one of its most beloved voices, Dame Jilly Cooper. Known for her witty, daring, and romantic novels, she captured the complexities of love, life, and human nature with a charm that was entirely her own. Her books — including Rivals, Wicked!, and Tackle! — became instant classics, celebrated for their humor, warmth, and bold storytelling. Jilly passed away suddenly at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that has touched generations of readers.
Her children, Felix and Emily, shared their heartbreak in a statement the day after her passing on October 5, 2025. They revealed that her death came after a fall and described their mother as the “shining light” in their lives. “Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds,” they said. “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.”
Tributes have poured in from across the literary community. Jilly’s longtime agent, Felicity Blunt, praised her as a woman who helped define modern culture and conversation through her writing. She said it was an honor to work with someone whose influence stretched far beyond the pages of her novels. “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 shared. She added that Jilly’s Rutshire Chronicles, featuring the unforgettable Rupert Campbell-Black, proved that even so-called “bonkbusters” could be timeless when written with heart, humor, and honesty.
Her publisher, Bill Scott-Kerr of Transworld, also expressed his admiration and sadness. Calling her “a genius novelist,” he spoke of her energy, creativity, and genuine kindness. “Working with Jilly Cooper over the past thirty years has been one of the great privileges and joys of my publishing life,” he said, recalling not only her passion for storytelling but also her deep affection for animals and the people she worked with.
Dame Jilly Cooper’s journey began in journalism, writing columns for The Sunday Times before moving into fiction. Her work often explored British society with humor, passion, and a touch of scandal, earning her a devoted fanbase. Outside of her career, she was married to Leo Cooper, with whom she shared two children, Felix and Emily. Leo passed away in 2013 after battling Parkinson’s disease, a loss that deeply affected her.
Jilly Cooper leaves behind not just a collection of bestselling novels, but also an enduring spirit — full of laughter, love, and unapologetic joy. Her words and her wit will continue to inspire readers for years to come.