Tributes are pouring in for Dame Jilly Cooper, renowned author of novels including Rivals, Riders and Polo, after her death aged 88.
The Queen led tributes for her “wonderfully witty and compassionate” friend, who died on Sunday morning after a fall.
Stroud MP Simon Opher said: “While she was sadly never a constituent of mine in Stroud (Bisley is no longer party of the constituency), I have no hesitation in celebrating Jilly Cooper as epitomising many of the human qualities that make this area so special.
“She was warm and wise, deeply creative and very funny. She was very much her own person, with her own values and had a tremendous life force that meant that she wanted to be the best at whatever she did – and pretty much always, she was.
“She was also deeply, outrageously generous, in every part of her life.
“We have lost a remarkable woman – but what a woman she was, and how lucky were we to have her.”
Chairman of Forest Green Rovers, Dale Vince said: “Jilly came to football late in life but became a big fan of FGR and the game. “Football is more exciting to the world than sex” she once said. Her last book (Tackle) was based on her experience with us at FGR – she took the Bonkbuster genre to the beautiful game. If there is an afterlife, Jilly will be the life and soul of it.”
Former Forest Green CEO and current Chief Executive Officer at Ice Hockey UK Henry C. Staelens said: “Jilly was just the best. She became a dear friend – whether we’d catch up over lunch, or visit The Chantry as a family, or just write to each other through random postcards. Then in April, she attended my surprise proposal, and gave a classically hilarious Jilly-speech to everyone about marriage – that was such a special moment. Funny, thoughtful, witty, infectious and, of course, a legend of her craft. She truly was one of a kind and my thoughts are with her family and loved ones. I’ll miss her greatly.”
Former Forest Green footballer Jon Parkin said: “She was such a wonderfully gracious lady — easily the poshest I’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with.”
Acclaimed writer Jamila Gavin MBE said: “We mourn the death of Jilly Cooper who we, of Stroud Book Festival, felt so proud that she appeared in Stroud’s very first book festival in 2016. She will be sorely missed.”
Stroud Times editor Ash Loveridge said: “Jilly was a great supporter and dear friend of Stroud Times. A passionate Forest Green fan, she attended Rovers’ play-off final victory at Wembley in 2017 and even loosely based her 2023 novel Tackle on Forest Green – a story full of the sexy goings-on in the world of football.
“I will always cherish the countless cards and thoughtful notes she sent me over the years.”
Stroud Times videographer Matt Bigwood said: “I photographed Dame Jilly Cooper many times during my photographic career and she was always a delight to work with. I have fond memories of her judging the Scrufts dog show at Westonbirt Arboretum in 2008 and her love of animals shone through.”
Former BBC journalist and current Stroud Times presenter Faye Hatcher said: “Such sad news. We have lost a national treasure. She brought so much joy to people’s lives. How can you forget seeing your first ever, well-thumbed copy of Rivals in your local library, with all the pages containing sex scenes bent over!!?
“I interviewed Jilly about 10 years ago, and I was slightly starstruck to say the least! She was so easy to talk to. She had such a warm personality and generous with her time. Sending love to all her family. Rest in Peace.”
Marketing and Public Relations Manager at South West Maritime Academy, Carl Hewlett said: “I was saddened to hear about the passing of the inimitable Dame Jilly Cooper today.
“I was lucky enough to meet and photograph her on numerous occasions, and she was, without fail, the kindest and most thoughtful of subjects. I always felt she was the sort of person who found a friend in everyone she met.
“Her kindness was always present. As a strong supporter of local journalism. and those that work within the industry, I remember photographing a private drinks party at Badminton House. Having already embarrassed myself in front of the Duchess of Beaufort by knocking several drinks glasses over with my camera bag, I was in a fluster to say the least. Jilly was immediately on hand to help me out with a ‘who’s who’ of those in attendance as she knew I needed to get those captions right!
“I didn’t know her well but I personally found her to be effervescent, generous, and utterly wonderful. A true one-off.”
Award-winning photographer Paul Nicholls said: “Sad to hear that Dame Jilly Cooper has died. I loved photographing Jilly, she was so much fun and knew what a photographer wanted. Jilly, can you play the drums for me? YES!!, Jilly, will you wear this hat? YES !! Her smile and fun lit up a room. I loved her. Sad day.”
Former Stroud journalist Ben Falconer said: “I am so sad to hear of Jilly’s passing, and my thoughts are with her family. She was generous with her time – and Champagne – to local journalists. She never forgot her journalistic roots, always calling back with a quote in time for deadline.”
Councillor Kate Kay, Chair of Stroud District Council said: “I am very sorry to hear that Dame Jilly Cooper has died, and on behalf of the Council I would like to convey my condolences to her family at this sad time.
“She was a world-renowned figure, who made Stroud her home and who cared deeply about the people and communities in it. She brought joy, laughter and some Champagne sparkle to the world.”
Dame Jilly, who started out as a journalist, became an author in the 1960s with her first book, How to Stay Married, being published in 1969.
She sold more than 11 million copies of her “bonkbuster” books in the UK, including her best-known series The Rutshire Chronicles.
The second book in the franchise, Rivals, was later made into a hit Disney+ TV series starring David Tennant in 2024.
In August, Dame Jilly Cooper hosted a lavish do for the cast of Disney hit show Rivals. She invited actors to her home in Bisley for the star-studded soiree.
Legendary actor Rupert Everett, who joins for season two was spotted arriving in the village, much to the delight of one fan, who told Stroud Times at the time: “We’re used to seeing celebrities in our village, but Rupert is a legend of the filming industry, so it was amazing to spot him.”
Also spotted arriving at the party was actress Emily Attack, who plays Sarah Stratton in the bonkbuster. Former Doctor Who star David Tennant, who plays top TV exec Tony Baddingham, was also at the event and arrived with Victoria Smurfit, 51. The Irish actress, who plays Maud O’ Hara in the show.
Aiden Turner, 42, who plays Smurfit’s on-screen husband Declan O’Hara, was also in attendance. Dame Jilly also invited friend Andrew Parker-Bowles, the former husband of Queen Camilla.
Former BBC news reader Simon McCoy and his wife, Dynasty star Emma Samms were also in attendance.
