Joan Collins has paid tribute to her "beautiful brave baby sister" Jackie who has died after a battle with cancer.
Jackie, who sold more than 500 million novels in more than 40 countries in her four decades-long career as a writer in raunchy female fiction, died of breast cancer. She was 77.
Despite being diagnosed six-and-a-half years ago the British author, who lived in Beverley Hills, told few people about her illness, saying she did not want to "burden" others with it.
"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," her family said in a statement.
"She was a true inspiration, a trailblazer for women in fiction and a creative force. She will live on through her characters but we already miss her beyond words."
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
Collins, who is best-known for her raunchy bestsellers, had been on a promotional trail in recent weeks for her latest novel, The Santangelos.
Her works included The World is Full of Married Men, Confessions of a Wild Child, The Stud and Hollywood Wives.
The first, released in 1968, stirred up so much outrage that it was banned from bookshelves in South Africa and Australia.
Collins had three daughters and was a grandmother-of-six.
Collins' publicist Melody Korenbrot said the author died on Saturday in Los Angeles.
She lived in Beverly Hills among famous neighbours including actor Al Pacino.
British-born Collins started out acting before focusing on writing.
Her sister, actress Joan Collins, told People magazine she was "completely devastated" by the loss of her sister.
"She was my best friend," she told the publication. "I admire how she handled this. She was a wonderful, brave and a beautiful person and I love her."
People said the prolific author had been diagnosed with end-stage breast cancer six-and-a-half years ago, and "chose to keep her illness almost entirely to herself."
In an interview with the Press Association earlier this month Collins said she chose to celebrate life rather than mourn those close to her who had died.
"I refuse to mourn people, because everybody dies. Death and taxes, you can't avoid either," she said.
Family Statement: It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one of... http://t.co/aVgM7jtCN6
— Jackie Collins (@jackiejcollins) September 20, 2015
Shocked & devastated at the death of @JackiejCollins. Loved & respected her. Thoughts & prayers go out to her family. pic.twitter.com/1RfmNEsm5G
— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) September 20, 2015
A great shock to hear @jackiejcollins has left us. What a talented lady. Our thoughts are with @Joancollinsdbe and her family.
— Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) September 20, 2015
#RIPJackie Collins. I always loved our interviews.
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 20, 2015
