Kelsey Marrow | Contributing Writer
Jackie Collins, the beloved best-selling novelist, died from breast cancer Saturday at the age of 77.
“It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic, and one of a kind mother, Jackie Collins”, stated the Collins family on Facebook.
Actress, Joan Collins, Jackie’s older sister, told People, “She was my best friend, I admired how she handled this. She was a wonderful, brave and beautiful person.”
Jackie told People in her final interview September 14, that she was diagnosed with stage 4-breast cancer over 6 years ago but has chosen to keep the news between family members and close ones. Collins seemed to be spirited and at peace with her condition.
Ms. Collins sold over 500 million copies of her novels in more than 40 countries. She wrote more than 30 New York Times best sellers. Her novels are described as seductive, glamorous, drama filled stories that detail the lives of the rich and famous. She is well known for her top selling novels Rock Star, Lucky, and The Stud.
Jackie Collins was born October 4, 1937 in London and was described as a rambunctious teenager. It was during this time she began writing romance novels in the 60’s. She wrote about sex and romance. Collin’s best selling novel to date was 1983’s Hollywood Wives, which gave her a shining moment in the spotlight. Also her latest work, The Santangelos, was published in June.
Critics did not take the work of Ms. Collins seriously because of the story lines. However, the public disagreed. She had a huge fan base with millions of supporters and amassed a fortune. The London Times estimated her net worth to be over $150 million dollars. Collins lived a lavish lifestyle in Beverly Hills and travelled the world.
“Jackie lived a wonderful and full life and was adored by her family and millions of readers who she has been entertaining for over 4 decades. She was a true inspiration, a trail blazer for woman in fiction and a creative force. She will live through our characters but we already miss her beyond words.” stated the Collins family on Facebook.
In an interview with People magazine, she stated, “Looking back, I’m not sorry about anything I did. I did it my own way, Frank Sanatra would say. I’ve written 5 books since the diagnosed, I’ve lived my life, traveled around the world, I have not turned down book tours and no one has never known until now when I feel as though I should come out with it.”
“Fans and friends showed their respects on social media, Sharon Osbourne @MrsSOsbourne tweeted, “So sad to hear about Jackie Collins passing away. She was a very sweet woman! @JackieCollins #JackieCollins #RestInPeace”
Sandra Bullock and Oprah Winfrey were among many celebrities who paid tribute.
Jackie Collins is survived by three daughters, one sister, one brother and six grandchildren.
Services will be held in both the U.S and U.K. The Collins family asked that donations be sent to the Susan B. Koman Cancer organization or Penny Brohn Cancer Care.
The Hampton Script 