LAST INTERVIEW : Beloved British Author Jilly Cooper Dies at 88 — The End of a Literary Era

Jilly Cooper, the iconic British author whose sharp wit, romantic flair, and scandalous storytelling captivated generations, has passed away at the age of 88. Her agent confirmed that the beloved novelist died suddenly after a fall on Sunday morning, leaving fans and fellow writers heartbroken. Best known for The Rutshire Chronicles — including the legendary Riders and Rivals — Cooper redefined modern British fiction with humor, sensuality, and heart. Her charismatic characters, like Rupert Campbell-Black, became cultural symbols of charm and chaos. Recently, her work found new life through Disney+’s Rivals adaptation, which she helped produce. Tributes have poured in from across the literary and entertainment world, celebrating a trailblazer who once said she wrote “to add to the sum of human happiness.” From journalist to Dame of the British Empire, Jilly Cooper’s five-decade career was marked by brilliance, laughter, and an unapologetic zest for life. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her words — filled with joy, wit, and love — will live on forever.