BEVERLY HILLS—Famed British-American romance novelist Jackie Collins has died at the age of 77 after losing her battle with breast cancer. Both Collins’ family and publicist confirmed the novelist’s death on September 19 in Beverly Hills.
“She lived a wonderfully full life and was adored by her family, friends and the millions of readers who she has been entertaining for over four decades,” said Collins’ family in a public statement. “She was a true inspiration, a trail blazer for women in fiction and a creative force. She will live on through her characters but we already miss her beyond words.”
Collins was originally diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer more than six years ago, but chose to keep it secret from everyone, but close family members.
A number of celebrities paid tribute to Collins on social media. “CHiPs” actor Erik Estrada tweeted: “Saddened to hear about the passing of the beautiful Jackie Collins~Her battle with breast cancer is over – RIP Jackie~you will be missed!”
TV and radio host Larry King also tweeted: “I’m shocked & saddened by Jackie Collins’ passing. She was a true talent, a beautiful being & a dear friend.”
Collins’ debut novel, “The World is Full of Married Men”, came out in 1968. The novelist would eventually pen the “Hollywood Series,” which consisted of five novels that began with “Hollywood Wives” in 1983.
The novel proved to be her most popular work. It was later adapted into one of the most successful TV mini-series of the 1980s that starred Candace Bergen, Angie Dickinson, and Anthony Hopkins.
Collins produced 31 consecutive NY Times best-selling novels and sold more than 500 million copies of her books.
In 2011, she was officially listed as the UK’s fifth richest author with a personal fortune of about $96 million.
Collins was the younger sister of actress Joan Collins, who is known for her starring role in the 1980s TV soap opera “Dynasty.” The actress, 82, currently lives in London, Los Angeles, New York, and France.
Jackie Collins leaves behind daughters Tracy, Tiffany, and Rory.
