Iconic "Rutshire Chronicles" Author Jilly Cooper Dies at 88

Renowned British author Jilly Cooper, best known for her popular and scandalous romance novels, has passed away at the age of 88. According to her agency, Cooper died following a fall.

Cooper first gained fame with her "Rutshire Chronicles" series, set in the British countryside and chronicling the affairs of the oversexed aristocracy. Her debut novel "Riders" became an international bestseller in 1985 and was followed by other hits like "Rivals," "Polo," and "The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous."

Despite being published decades ago, Cooper's work has recently seen a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the hit Disney+ adaptation of "Rivals," which she executive produced. The second season of the series is currently in production.

Cooper's children, Felix and Emily, described her as the "shining light" in their lives, and her agent Felicity Blunt praised her for defining "culture, writing and conversation" over the past 50 years. Her publisher, Bill Scott-Kerr, called working with Cooper one of the "great privileges and joys" of his career, highlighting her "genius as a novelist" as well as her kindness, humor, and profound love of animals.