Writer Jackie Collins dies, age 77
Novelist Jackie Collins has passed away following a battle with breast cancer, it has been confirmed.
The writer’s family told People magazine in a statement that the gay icon, who was diagnosed with the disease 6 years ago, will be “missed beyond words”.
“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,” they said last night.
“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.”
Joan Collins has paid tribute on Twitter:
Farewell to my beautiful brave baby sister. I will love you and miss you forever. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/pPR3KRRjUU
— Joan Collins (@Joancollinsdbe) September 20, 2015
Jackie spoke to People just days ago, saying: “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 travelled 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.”
The Collins family have requested that donations be sent to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Organisation in the US and the Penny Brohn Cancer Care in the UK.