Pascal Le Segretain/Getty ImagesOne of America's most beloved authors has passed away.
Jackie Collins has died after a battle with breast cancer, her family confirmed to E! News Saturday afternoon. She was 77.
"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," the Collins family said in a statement to E! News. "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."
The statement concluded, "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."
According to People, who first broke the news, Jackie was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer more than six years ago. She chose to keep her illness almost entirely to herself except for her three daughters Tracy, Tiffany and Rory.
"She was my best friend, " Joan Collins, who found out about the diagnosis roughly two weeks ago, shared with the publication. "I admire how she handled this. She was a wonderful, brave and a beautiful person and I love her."
In one of her last interviews, the author explained that she had no regrets when looking back at her life. In fact, Jackie is proud to say that she "did it my way."
"Looking back, I'm not sorry about anything I did," she told People. "I've lived my life, I've traveled all over the world, I have not turned down book tours and no one has ever known until now when I feel as though I should come out with it."
Ever since her diagnosis, Jackie was able to write five books even as her treatments included a lumpectomy and radiation. She also was able to enjoy plenty of quality time with her beloved family members.
"I'm so proud of them," she said. "I want them to feel secure and I want them to feel whatever happens, I'll always be there."
The Collins family asks that fans consider making a donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Organization in honor of Jackie.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this difficult time.