The literary world is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jilly Cooper, the iconic British author renowned for her beloved novels like Rivals and Riders. She passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the age of 88, as confirmed by her agent, Curtis Brown.
Jilly Cooper achieved immense commercial success throughout the 1980s, captivating readers with her wonderfully spirited and often audacious novels. These stories famously delved into the romantic escapades and lively lives of charismatic upper-class characters, most notably the dashing show jumper Rupert Campbell-Black.
Her enduring popularity was recently rekindled when her classic novel, Rivals, was adapted into an exciting new series for Disney+ in 2024, introducing her vibrant storytelling to a whole new generation of enthusiastic fans.