(Wikipedia)
Author Terry Pratchett has died at the age of 66 after a long, brave fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The fantasy writer was wildly popular across the world. Throughout his career, he’s estimated to have sold 85 million books in 37 different languages. He will be forever remembered by his legions of fans for his works Discworld, Good Omens and Nation.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. His Publisher Called Pratchett ‘One of Our Brightest, Sharpest Minds’
(Getty)
On Prachett’s publishers’ Facebook page, an update from 11:15 a.m. on March 12 read, “The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds. Rest in peace, Sir Terry Pratchett.” The message included a link to a Just Giving page for Alzheimer’s research in Pratchett’s name. He died at home surrounded by his family.
2. His Final Tweet Read ‘The End’
The End.
On his Twitter account, which was run with Pratchett’s dear friend, Rob Wilkins, an update that came just after 11 a.m. on March 12 read, “AT LAST, SIR TERRY, WE MUST TALK TOGETHER.” Another update said, “Terry took Death’s arm and followed him through the doors and on to the black desert under the endless night.” A final update simply read, “The End.” According to Pratchett, Wilkins was the writer’s transcriber and assistant during the legend’s final years.
3. He Had Donated Over $500,000 to Alzheimer’s Research
Pratchett pictured in 1998. (Getty)
In 2007, Pratchett announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In March 2008, the BBC reported that Pratchett donated over $500,000 to Alzheimer’s research in the UK.
4. Pratchett Said He Used His Knighthood to Impress His American Friends
In 2009, Pratchett received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II as part of her New Year’s honors list. Prior to that, in 1998, he became a Member of the British Empire. Upon receiving his knighthood, Pratchett told the Independent in the UK, “I’m having difficulty fitting it into my head. I’m very please indeed. It cheers me up no end. It will impress some of my American friends, who started calling me “Sir” after I received my MBE, which was a little embarrassing.”
To further add to his awards, in 2010 Pratchett’s work was celebrated in a series of British stamps. He was the best-selling author of the 1990s in the United Kingdom, according to a 2002 Guardian interview. You can watch him talk about his works above.
5. Pratchett’s Daughter Will Carry on the Family’s Literary Legacy
Pratchett’s daughter Rhianna. (Facebook)
Pratchett is survived by his wife, Lyn Purves, and daughter, Rhianna. Pratchett and his wife were married in 1968. The couple lived together in the village of Broad Chalke in the south of England. His daughter is taking over the writing of her dad’s Discworld novels, referring to herself as the “custodian” of the series.