Dame Jilly Cooper, "Queen of the Bonkbuster," Dies at 88
Dame Jilly Cooper, the celebrated British author renowned for her raunchy romance novels, particularly the Rutshire Chronicles, has died at the age of 88. She passed away on Sunday morning following a fall, leaving behind a legacy of over 11 million books sold in the UK alone and a recent successful adaptation of her novel Rivals on Disney+.
A Literary Legacy
Jilly Cooper's career spanned over five decades, during which she became a household name for her "bonkbuster" novels, which explored the scandalous and often sexually charged lives of wealthy social circles in the fictional county of Rutshire. Her most famous creation, the charismatic showjumper Rupert Campbell-Black, became a literary icon. The Rutshire Chronicles series, known for its witty social commentary and explicit content, included titles such as Riders, Rivals, and Polo.
Her agent, Felicity Blunt, praised Cooper's unique ability to write with "acuity and insight about all things – class, sex, marriage, rivalry, grief and fertility." Cooper's works often mirrored her own life and observations of society, drawing comparisons to Jane Austen in their dissection of social norms and prejudices.
Tributes Pour In
News of Dame Jilly's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow authors, actors, and public figures. Queen Camilla, a long-time friend of Cooper's, expressed her sadness, calling her a "legend" and a "wonderfully witty and compassionate friend." Queen Camilla recalled seeing her just weeks ago at her Queen's Reading Room Festival. The executive producers of the Disney+ adaptation of Rivals, Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alex Lamb, said they were "broken-hearted" by the news and considered it an honor to have worked with her.
Cooper's children, Felix and Emily, described their mother as "the shining light in all of our lives" and expressed their shock at her unexpected death. Rufus Jones, who stars in the Rivals TV series, remembered her as "hilarious, twinkingly outrageous and kind."
A Life in Writing
Born in Hornchurch, Essex, in 1937, Jilly Cooper began her career as a journalist, writing for the Middlesex Independent and later gaining fame for her column in the Sunday Times. She transitioned to novel writing in the 1970s, achieving breakthrough success with Riders in 1985. Despite facing challenges, including a mini-stroke and the loss of her husband Leo Cooper, she continued to write and remained active in the literary world.
Upcoming Memorial and Private Funeral
Dame Jilly's funeral will be a private affair, as per her wishes. However, a public service of thanksgiving will be held in the coming months at Southwark Cathedral to celebrate her life and legacy. Details about the service will be announced at a later date. A new book by Dame Jilly, titled "How to Survive Christmas," is scheduled for release in November.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jill Sallitt Cooper (Dame Jilly Cooper) |
| Born | February 21, 1937, Hornchurch, Essex |
| Died | October 5, 2025 |
| Occupation | Author, Journalist |
| Spouse | Leo Cooper (married 1961, died 2013) |
| Notable Works | The Rutshire Chronicles (Riders, Rivals, Polo, etc.) |
| Recent Adaptation | Rivals (Disney+ TV series) |
Dame Jilly Cooper's legacy extends beyond her best-selling novels. She was a cultural icon who celebrated female sexuality and challenged social norms, leaving an indelible mark on British literature and popular culture. Her wit, warmth, and "naughty" spirit will be deeply missed by her fans and the literary community alike.
