Jackie Collins, the bestselling author, died of breast cancer. Funeral/memorial services will be private. (Getty)
Jackie Collins died at the age of 77 in Los Angeles after a battle with breast cancer. The much-loved and celebrated novelist wrote about Hollywood glamour and all 32 of her novels appeared on The New York Times bestsellers list. Funeral/memorial services will be private. Her family asks that instead of flowers, donations be given to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Organization and Penny Brohn Cancer Care.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. She Died of Breast Cancer at 77
Jackie Collins battled breast cancer privately for just over six years. (Getty)
Jackie Collins was 77 when she died of breast cancer, People reported. She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer just over six years ago. She kept the illness private, only confiding in her daughters. She told People on September 14 that she did not regret keeping her battle with cancer to herself and out of the public eye. Instead, she sought to keep her life as full as possible in her last years. She traveled the world and didn’t turn down any book tours. Her treatment included radiation, drug courses, and a lumpectomy.
In a statement, her family said:
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.”
2. All of Her 32 Novels Were Bestsellers
All of Jackie Collins’ novels made the bestseller list, California. (Getty)
Collins has published 32 novels, including five that she wrote after her cancer diagnosis, People reported. More than 500 million copies of her books have sold and her last book, “The Santangelos,” was released in June. Her very first book, “The World Is Full of Married Men,” was published in 1968 and banned in Australia and South Africa because of its depiction of extramarital sex, The New York Times reported. Many of her books were made into movies and TV mini-series.
Jackie Collins’ huge success as a novelist and screenwriter gave her a net worth of around $180 million, Celebrity Net Worth reported.
3. She Was Married Multiple Times and Has Three Daughters
Jackie Collins has three daughters and six grandchildren. (Getty)
Collins’ first husband was Wallace Austin. They were married in 1960, divorced in 1964, and had one daughter, Tracy. She married her second husband, Oscar Lerman, in 1965 and had two daughters, Tiffany and Rory. Lerman adopted Tracy. He died in 1992 from prostrate cancer. In 1994, she was engaged to Frank Calcagnini, who died of a brain tumor in 1998.
Collins had three daughters and six grandchildren. Her daughters, Tracy, 54, Tiffany, 48, and Rory, 46, knew about her diagnosis and were huge supports for her. She told People that she was very proud of them and want them to feel that whatever happens, she’ll always be there.
4. Actress Joan Collins Is Her Older Sister
Jackie Collins was very close to her sister, Joan Collins. (Getty)
Her older sister is the famous actress, Joan Collins. She also has a brother, Bill. Joan Collins is especially known for her leading role in the TV series, Dynasty, She has made many TV and stage appearances since the series. Joan told People.com that she was absolutely devastated about her sister’s death. “She was my best friend,” Joan told People.
5. Her Death Is Already Being Mourned By Friends, Family, and Fans
RIP Jackie Collins.When I visited her home last yr, she showed me the handwritten book drafts she keeps in her study http://t.co/E1NUGKHpVt
Friends, family, and fans are already mourning her death. Here are a few sentiments being shared online.
Jackie Collins. What a dame. RIP my lovely friend. t.co/2gyvQXROfY
Well shoot. I learned a lot of stuff about stuff reading Jackie Collins novels from friends’ moms’ bookshelves growing up. Sad she’s gone.