Jackie Collins

Jackie Collins dies from breast cancer aged 77

Novelist's family release a statement paying tribute to 'beautiful, dynamic, one-of-a-kind mother'

Collins died in Los Angeles, said her spokesman Melody Korenbrot.

Her older sister Joan, who only learned of Jackie's illness within the last two weeks, has said she is "completely devastated" following Jackie's death.

The 82-year-old actress told People magazine: "She was my best friend.

"I admire how she handled this. She was a wonderful, brave and a beautiful person and I love her."

She was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago but kept her illness from the public.

Collins sold more than 500 million copies of her books.

She began publishing novels in the late 1960s and put out several in the 1970s but had her breakthrough and became a celebrity in her own right with 1983's "Hollywood Wives."

She wrote a total of 32 novels, all of which have appeared on The New York Times bestsellers list. Several were adapted for the screen. She was awarded an OBE in 2013.

Collins, who is best-known for her raunchy bestsellers, had been on a promotional trail in recent weeks for her latest novel, The Santangelos.

Just two days ago the writer, who was active on social media, tweeted her excitement ahead of the Emmy awards which take place in America tonight.

She wrote: "Emmys this weekend. Who do you want to win?"

Fans were quick to pay tribute to Collins on Twitter.