Dame Jilly Cooper, who was well-known for her “bonkbusters” like Riders, Rivals, and Polo, passed away on Sunday at her home, and tributes have been paid to the author.
Dame Jilly Cooper has been lauded as “truly one of the kindest women” today.
Poignant tributes continue to flood in for the 88-year-old author, known for her “bonkbusters” including Riders, Rivals and Polo, following her death on Sunday morning following a fall at her home. Some of the cast members of the hit Disney+ series Rivals, based on the book of the same name, have since shared posts in memory of the late writer.
But one of the latest respects today – from experienced tabloid journalist Sarah Vine – described the novelist as generous, humble and warm. Sarah, who was 16 when Riders was published in 1985, wrote: “She (Dame Jilly) was truly one of the kindest women I’ve ever known. The world is a far less fabulous place without her.”
Felix and Emily, Dame Jilly’s children, called their mother “the shining light in all of our lives,” in a statement released yesterday to confirm the tragic news. Her unanticipated passing has shocked everyone,” the statement continued. We are so proud of everything she has accomplished throughout her life, and we are unable to imagine life without her infectious joy and smile. “
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Writing for the Daily Mail, Sarah described how Dame Jilly, born in Hornchurch, Essex, sent her a gold and amethyst brooch in the post, an anecdote Sarah used as her “‘generous’ Jilly story” following similar tales from other friends and acquaintance after news of the death emerged.
“Dame Jilly never wore her talent and success lightly, even when she might have had every right to be a diva,” said Sarah. She was always kind, understanding, and generous to the core. She had a gift for bringing warmth and love to everyone she encountered.
The passing fantasy of the ‘improper use of a hayloft’ in the company of a Rupert Campbell-Black-type made it all more bearable, according to her audience, which included the legions of wives and mothers burdened by responsibility. “
Mother-of-two Sarah, now a regular columnist, penned her tribute in a poignant piece following Dame Jilly’s passing, which rocked cast members of Rivals. Alex Hassell, who plays Rupert Campbell-Black in the show, posted a photo of the two together on his Instagram page, describing Dame Jilly as a “magical woman” who changed his life.
She was such a generous spirited person to be around, he said, aside from the great wealth of joy, comfort, and excitement her writing has provided to so many.
She portrayed her hero Rupert in a way that was so kind and encouraging to me. I’m so happy I saw her on the other day, and she reportedly said she was proud of me last time. Beautiful and thoughtful throughout.
Source: Mirror
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