British romance author Jackie Collins dies at 77
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It is indeed a tragic and sad news for romance novel lovers all over the globe as The New York Times best-selling novelist Jackie Collins passed away quietly last Saturday. Collins, who penned the scandalous "The World is Full of Married Men", succumbed to breast cancer, which she has been fighting secretly for six years. The author was 77.
Family Statement: It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one of... https://t.co/aVgM7jtCN6
— Jackie Collins (@jackiejcollins) September 20, 2015
People Magazine writes that according to the Collins family, the novelist was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and has decided to confide it only to her daughters Tracy, Tiffany and Rory. In a statement, the family expressed their grief but was thankful that Collins lived a wonderful life, adored by her family, peers and fans. "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," they added.
The magazine was lucky to have interviewed the author only last September 14th, when she talked about her journey with cancer while continuing to live life to the fullest. Collins stated that she does not regret anything; she was able to write five books since she was diagnosed, traveled the world and did not turn any book tours down even while undergoing treatment. The author had several cancer treatments like radiation therapy, lumpectomy and various drug courses for the past six years.
"The World is Full of Married Men" was the first novel of Collins which he released in 1968 and it was so explicit that it was banned in several countries like South Africa and Australia, The New York Times adds. Romance writer Barbara Cartland even called it disgusting and blamed it for producing perverts in England, which Collins only laughed off.
In a previous interview with the magazine, Collins recalled that Charles Dickens and Mickey Spillane were the authors who have influenced her work. Critics may have laughed at her but due to billions of fans, she may be the one laughing - all the way to the bank, as the author's fortune was estimated to be around $150 million. Her most recent work, "The Santangelos", was released in June and in true Collins fashion, it was a story filled with sex, drugs, and murder.
TIME Magazine reports that the author's books made Collins a celebrity of her own, dressing and living more like an actress than a novelist, which in many ways may be her greatest character. She has even embraced Twitter, loving every engagement she got from over her 150,000 followers. And Twitter loved her too, as most celebrities took their sentiments and grief on the social media platform. Truly, this is a sad day for the world of literature.
#RIPJackie Collins. I always loved our interviews. — Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 20, 2015
An amazing woman. Talented. Funny. Kind. One of my very favorite producers ever. She will be deeply missed. https://t.co/FqmKvd97yY
— Melissa Gilbert (@GilbertforMI) September 20, 2015
So incredibly sad to hear Jackie Collins has died. Terrific writer, great friend/neighbour & a truly fabulous, funny, entertaining lady. — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 20, 2015
I'm shocked & saddened by Jackie Collins' passing. She was a true talent, a beautiful being & a dear friend.
— Larry King (@kingsthings) September 20, 2015
Shocked & devastated at the death of @JackiejCollins. Loved & respected her. Thoughts & prayers go out to her family. pic.twitter.com/1RfmNEsm5G — Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) September 20, 2015
