Jilly Cooper, British author of bestselling risqué novels including 'Rivals', has died at 88
Share and Follow

British author Jilly Cooper, known for her bestselling risqué novels including “Rivals” and “Riders,” has died at age 88, her agent and family said Monday.

A statement from her family said that the author’s “unexpected death has come as a complete shock.”

Cooper was best known for her books in “The Rutshire Chronicles,” which portrayed the sex lives and excesses of the well-off, horse-riding set in 1980s England. The books sold millions of copies in the U.K. alone.

This Sept. 20, 2025 file photos shows author Jilly Cooper at The Queen's Reading Room Festival, a literary event celebrating the power and benefits of reading, held at Chatsworth in Derbyshire, England.

This Sept. 20, 2025 file photos shows author Jilly Cooper at The Queen’s Reading Room Festival at Chatsworth in Derbyshire, England.

Lucy Ray/PA via AP

One of the books, “Rivals,” was turned into a hit Disney+ TV series last year starring David Tennant and Alex Hassell.

“The privilege of my career has been working with a woman who has defined culture, writing and conversation since she was first published over fifty years ago,” her agent, Felicity Blunt, said in a statement.

“Jilly will undoubtedly be best remembered for her chart-topping series ‘The Rutshire Chronicles’ and its havoc-making and handsome show-jumping hero Rupert Campbell-Black.”

Born in 1937, Cooper cut her teeth in journalism at a local newspaper in Brentford, covering everything from parties to soccer.

Her big break occurred in 1969 when The Sunday Times published a story on being an ”undomesticated” homemaker. It resulted in a column that lasted over 13 years. She went on to another column in the The Mail On Sunday for five years.

Her first book “How to Stay Married” was published in 1969.

Cooper’s many fans included former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said the books offered “escapism.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chicago immigration operations: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to speak in Gary, Indiana as Pritzker calls for pause in operations

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Addresses Chicago Immigration Concerns Amid Pritzker’s Call for Operational Pause

CHICAGO (WLS) — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to visit…
Jesse Eisenberg, 'Today' host Craig Melvin have awkward exchange over Mark Zuckerberg role

Jesse Eisenberg and Craig Melvin’s Awkward On-Air Moment: Revisiting the Mark Zuckerberg Role

It seems Jesse Eisenberg is steering clear of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s…
Chicago school welcomes back first grader who underwent heart transplant

Heartwarming Return: Chicago First Grader Triumphs After Life-Saving Heart Transplant

In an uplifting scene at Peck Elementary School in Chicago’s South Side,…
Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva in 'Twilight Zone limbo' waiting to be sworn in

Congresswoman-Elect Adelita Grijalva Awaits Swearing-In Amid Unprecedented Delay

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Over a month has passed since Adelita…
JD Vance says UFOs, aliens could be ‘spiritual forces’ as VP vows to ‘get to the bottom’ of mystery in skies

JD Vance Suggests UFOs May Be ‘Spiritual Forces’ While VP Promises Thorough Investigation

Vice President JD Vance has recently added his voice to the ongoing…
More Americans blame Trump, GOP for shutdown: Washington Post poll

Majority of Americans Hold Trump and GOP Responsible for Government Shutdown, Reveals Washington Post Poll

(The Hill) — As the government shutdown extends into its fourth week,…
DHS rule expands facial recognition to all US ports of entry for foreign travelers

DHS Implements Comprehensive Facial Recognition for Foreign Travelers at All U.S. Ports of Entry

The Department of Homeland Security has introduced updated directives mandating that foreign…
Dad-to-be, 29, killed by single punch in bar brawl

Tragic Night Out: Expectant Father Loses Life in Bar Altercation

A tragic incident unfolded in Arizona as a man eagerly anticipating fatherhood…