Key Highlights
- Dame Jilly Cooper died from a fatal head injury sustained during a fall at her home in Gloucestershire.
- The celebrated author was pronounced dead in hospital on October 5, 2025.
- Rivals, one of Cooper’s famous novels, was turned into a hit show for Disney+.
- Family members found Cooper around 5pm on October 4, 2025, and she died at 8:30am the next day in hospital.
Tragic Passing of Bestselling Author Dame Jilly Cooper
Dame Jilly Cooper, a renowned author known for her gripping novels that delved into the scandalous lives of the upper classes, passed away on October 5, 2025, after suffering from a fatal head injury following a fall at her home in Gloucestershire. Her family discovered the writer around 5pm on October 4, 2025, and she was transferred to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where her condition worsened, leading to her death early the next morning.
Renowned Author’s Literary Legacy
Dame Jilly Cooper is celebrated for her novels that focus on scandal and adultery in upper-class society. Her most notable work, Rivals, was released in 1988 as part of her Rutshire Chronicles series. This novel not only established her reputation but also paved the way for its adaptation into a hit show for Disney+ in 2024. The series starred well-known actors such as Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, and Emily Atack.
Impact on Television Industry
The adaptation of Rivals into a television series was a significant moment for both Cooper and the entertainment industry. Showrunner Dominic Treadwell-Collins and fellow producer Alex Lamb expressed their profound grief over her loss, recalling cherished moments spent with the author. “Crawling around on her sitting room floor with storylines on pieces of paper, sitting up late at her kitchen table holding hands with love and our tummies with laughter, receiving scoldings and heaps of wisdom in equal measure,” they said, emphasizing the close relationship they had formed.
Personal Tributes
Dame Jilly Cooper’s children, Felix and Emily, paid tribute to their mother, stating that she was “the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds.” The Queen also offered words of condolence, describing Cooper as a “legend” and a “wonderfully witty and compassionate friend.”
Dame Jilly Cooper’s death comes as a shock to the literary community and fans alike. She will be remembered not only for her contributions to literature but also for her impact on television through the adaptation of Rivals.
