Jilly Cooper, Beloved Author of ‘Rivals,’ Dies at 88
LONDON – Jilly Cooper, the bestselling British author renowned for her witty and often scandalous novels exploring the worlds of glamour, power, and romance – most famously Rivals – has died at the age of 88. Her agent confirmed the news,prompting tributes from across the literary and political spectrum.
Cooper captivated readers for over half a century with her sharp social commentary and compelling characters,selling millions of books and becoming a cultural icon. She dissected the behaviors of the English upper middle classes with a keen eye and a playful spirit, offering both escapism and insightful observations on society.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Cooper “a literary force whose wit,warmth and wisdom shaped British culture for over half a century and brought joy to millions,” according to his office. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also praised her work, noting the books offered “escapism.”
Born in 1937 in Essex, near London, Cooper began her career in journalism before a varied path through public relations and book publishing. She achieved her breakthrough in 1969 with a piece published in The Sunday Times about the challenges of being a young working wife, leading to a long-running column with the newspaper. Her first book, “How to Stay Married,” followed that same year.
Over the course of her prolific career, Cooper authored some 18 novels and other works, spanning romance, children’s literature, and nonfiction. Her most recent publication, “Tackle!,” was released in 2023. She was recognized for her contributions to literature with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2004 and a damehood more recently, bestowed by King Charles at Windsor Castle.
Cooper is survived by her two adopted children, Felix and Emily. Her husband of more then 40 years,leo Cooper,died in 2013. A private funeral will be held according to her wishes, with a public service planned in London in the coming months to celebrate her life and legacy.
Bill Scott-Kerr, her publisher, lauded Cooper’s “wicked social commentary and deft, lacerating characterization.” Her agent, Felicity Blunt, saeid Cooper “defined culture, writing and conversation since she was first published over 50 years ago,” adding that the author was “emotionally bright, fantastically generous, sharply observant and utter fun.”
