British writer and journalist Dame Shirley Conran has died aged 91, just a week after being admitted to hospital.
The Lace author's son, designer Jasper Conran, announced the news social media This evening.
“Shirlgirl has flown away, a lark is taking off,” he began. 'Thank you to all the wonderful doctors and nurses at St. Mary's Paddington who cared for her and thank you to all of you lovely, lovely people who sent her so many beautiful messages that meant so much to her.'
The author – known for books such as Lace and Superwoman – was given a Damehood last week while in hospital for her services to maths education, after setting up the Maths Anxiety Trust.
Dame Shirley began writing books after she was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in her late 30s and could no longer work full-time.
Actress Elizabeth Hurley was among those who paid tribute, as she noted: “Sending you love. “Lace” was one of the illicit pleasures of my teenage years.”
Anna Friel said: 'Enormous love and condolences', while filmmaker and husband of Sir Elton John wrote: 'I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Sending love and condolences.”
Dame Shirley's first novel entitled Lace was published in 1982 and later became a TV miniseries in the US starring Bess Armstrong, Brooke Adams and Arielle Dombasle.
In 1975, she wrote the critically acclaimed nonfiction book Superwoman, recognized as a feminist practical guide, in which she coined the phrase, “Life is too short to stuff a mushroom.”
Her other novels include Savages, Crimson and Tiger Eyes.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss, who made the author a Dame on her resignation honors list in late 2023, paid tribute on X, formerly Twitter, writing: 'She was a life force, incredibly generous and a committed campaigner for maths education. I am very grateful for all the encouragement and support she gave me.”
Last week Sir Kenneth Olisa, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, presented Dame Shirley with the honor at the hospital.
Sharing two photos from the ceremony, he wrote on social media: 'Yesterday @ImperialNHS, surrounded by her family and staff at the Manvers Acute Respiratory Unit, I had the privilege, on behalf of His Majesty, to appoint Dame Shirley Conran as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to mathematics education.'
Last week Jasper wrote on social media how his mother was busy with her 'last journey'.
'My mother Shirley is in hospital and is on her last journey. She is looking forward to her celebration in the sky with all her friends and family,” he said while sharing a photo of her.
He also said that if anyone wanted to send a “nice message” he would read it to her as she “really enjoyed” listening to it.
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