Barbara Taylor Bradford, Best-Selling Author of "A Woman of Substance," Dies at 91

Barbara Taylor Bradford, the beloved author known for her popular novels, has passed away at the age of 91. Her representatives confirmed she died after a short illness on November 24, 2023.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Bradford's representatives expressed their heartfelt sadness: "With the deepest and heartfelt sadness, it is confirmed that Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE has died. Barbara died peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones."

Bradford leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having sold over 91 million books worldwide. She authored 40 best-selling novels, notable titles include "Three Weeks in Paris" (2002), "To Be the Best" (1988), and her latest release, "The Wonder of It All" (November 2023).

Born in Leeds, England, in May 1933, Bradford started her writing journey early, selling her first short story at ten. She left school at fifteen, joining the Yorkshire Evening Post as a writer.

Within a year, she became a reporter and, by age 18, the publication's first female editor. At twenty, she relocated to London, where she worked as a columnist and editor for national newspapers.

In 1979, Bradford published her debut novel, "A Woman of Substance." This book soared in popularity, remaining on the New York Times bestseller list for an impressive 43 weeks.

The novel inspired an Emmy-nominated television adaptation in 1985, produced by her husband, Robert Bradford. He adapted nine other novels into television dramas. Robert passed away in July 2019 at age 90.

In a tribute, actress Jenny Seagrove shared, "We saw each other whenever she and her beloved Bob were in London… She never changed. Success never diluted her warmth or humor…" Seagrove acknowledged Bradford's roots in Yorkshire and her enduring charm.

Bradford served as an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust in the U.K. and was on the Board of Literacy Partners in the U.S. for six years. Throughout her career, she received five Honorary Doctorates of Letters from various institutions in the U.K. and the U.S.

In 2007, she was honored with an OBE for her contributions to literature by Queen Elizabeth II.

Lynne Drew, Bradford's long-term publisher at HarperCollins, stated, "Working with Barbara was a huge privilege… She was an inspiration for millions of readers and countless writers." Drew emphasized the impact Bradford made during her 20-year career.

A private funeral will take place at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue. Bradford will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Westchester Hills Cemetery in New York.

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