Jilly Cooper, the acclaimed British author celebrated for her provocative and entertaining novels, has died at the age of 88. According to her family and literary agency Curtis Brown, Cooper passed away unexpectedly following a fall on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Her death has been described as a “complete shock” by her children, Felix and Emily.
A Legacy of Engaging Narratives
Cooper was best known for her “Rutshire Chronicles,” a series of eleven novels that began with the release of Riders in 1985. These books, which explored the lives of the affluent horse-riding elite in 1980s England, combined sharp wit with social commentary, earning her a dedicated following. The series has sold millions of copies in the United Kingdom alone, making her one of the best-selling authors of her time.
One of her most popular works, Rivals, was adapted into a television series by Disney+ last year, featuring performances from actors David Tennant and Alex Hassell. Cooper’s ability to blend humor with scandalous tales of class and relationships resonated with readers and viewers alike.
Tributes from Across the Spectrum
In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in from various public figures. Queen Camilla, wife of King Charles III, referred to Cooper as “a legend” and recalled their recent meeting at a book festival. She expressed her condolences, saying, “May her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also paid tribute, calling Cooper “a literary force whose wit, warmth, and wisdom shaped British culture for over half a century.” He noted that her work brought joy to millions and left a lasting impact on literature.
Cooper’s contributions to literature were recognized with several honors, including being named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2004 and receiving a damehood from King Charles at Windsor Castle later in her life. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared that her books provided much-needed escapism to readers.
Publisher Bill Scott-Kerr praised Cooper for her “wicked social commentary and deft, lacerating characterization,” noting her ability to dissect the behaviors of the English upper middle classes with precision. Her agent, Felicity Blunt, highlighted Cooper’s role in defining culture and conversation over her more than five-decade career.
Born in 1937 in Essex, Cooper initially worked in journalism, covering a range of topics from local events to sports. She transitioned into public relations but faced numerous job losses before finding her true calling in book publishing. Her breakthrough came in 1969 when The Sunday Times published one of her columns, leading to a successful writing career that included novels, children’s books, and nonfiction.
Cooper’s first novel, How to Stay Married, was published in the same year, followed by approximately 18 other novels, with her most recent work, Tackle!, released in 2023. Plans for a private funeral are in place, in accordance with her wishes, while a public service to celebrate her life will be held in London in the coming months.
Jilly Cooper is survived by her two adopted children, Felix and Emily. Her husband, Leo Cooper, passed away in 2013. The literary world mourns the loss of an author whose stories captivated generations and provided a lens into the complexities of life and love within the upper echelons of society.
