Novelist Jackie Collins, 77, Dies Following Secret Battle With Breast Cancer

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Best-selling author Jackie Collins has died after a secret battle with breast cancer.

CBS News confirms the novelist died at 77. Her career spanned six decades from her first novel "The World is Full of Married Men" through "Confessions of a Wild Child" in 2013.

Her family released the following statement:

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. 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 four 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.

For inquiries re services and donations:

For USA
Services will be held privately for family. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Organization.

For UK
Services will be held privately for family. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Penny Brohn Cancer Care.

Her most recent release was "The Lucky Santangelo Cookbook," named after a character from several of her novels.

Collins is the younger sibling of actress Joan Collins.