United Kingdom, Oct. 6 -- Dame Jilly Cooper has died.

The Riders author passed away on Sunday (05.10.25) at the age 88 following a fall, her family have confirmed.

Her children Felix and Emily said in a statement: "Mum, was the shining light in all of our lives.

"Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds.

"Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock.

"We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can't begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all

around us."

Jilly's agent, Felicity Blunt, said she had lost a "friend, an ally, and mentor" and that it had been a "privilege" to work with the author, who has sold over 11 million copies of her books in the UK alone.

She wrote: "...