Truly heartbreaking.
Cherished and adored for her work — over 500 million copies of her novels have been sold worldwide — Jackie Collins brought inspiration and entertainment to countless fans.
So it is with complete regret that we must tell you of her death.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer nearly seven years ago, the author of books such as Lucky and Drop Dead Beautiful passed away at the age of 77.
In a statement released Saturday, her family says:
“It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one of a kind mother, Jackie Collins, who died of breast cancer today. 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 4 decades. 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 mostly kept her illness private, confiding in her three daughters — Tracy (54), Tiffany (48), and Rory (46).
In her final interview, the beloved Jackie reflected on her life and career, saying:
“Looking back, I’m not sorry about anything I did. I did it my way, as Frank Sinatra would say. I’ve written five books since the diagnosis, I’ve lived my life, I’ve traveled all over the world, I have not turned down book tours and no one has ever known until now when I feel as though I should come out with it. Now I want to save other people’s lives.”
She leaves behind her three daughters, her sister Joan Collins, her brother Bill, and six grandchildren.
Private memorial services will be held in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Organization in the States and Penny Brohn Cancer Care in the U.K..
Rest in peace, Jackie. We’ll miss you.
[Image via WENN.]