Barbara Taylor Bradford, the celebrated British-American writer, has passed away at the age of 91.

According to her website, she died peacefully at home on Sunday after a brief illness, with her family by her side. There will be a private funeral in New York, after which she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Robert Bradford.

Bradford is best recognized for her 1979 first novel, “A Woman of Substance,” which launched her successful writing career, culminating in the publication of 40 novels, many achieving international bestseller status.

YSL News has contacted Bradford’s team for more insights.

Bradford began her career in journalism as a teenager, contributing short stories and columns to local publications. She worked her way up from a typist at the Yorkshire Evening Post to a reporter and later became the fashion editor for Woman’s Own at just 20 years old.

Her writing spanned various topics, from interior design to crime and entertainment, appearing in notable publications like the London Evening News and Today Magazine.

After establishing herself in non-fiction, she transitioned to fiction in her 40s with “A Woman of Substance,” a move that would define her career.

Her books, which have sold over 91 million copies according to her website, commonly feature strong female leads. “A Woman of Substance” follows the journey of Emma Harte, a servant who rises to become a successful businesswoman.

“You have to write about what you know. I suppose I’m a strong woman myself,” she shared with The New York Times in 1979. Emma Harte’s story remained a constant in Bradford’s writing, leading to multiple sequels and a rise to fame among readers.

“I don’t expect to be remembered as a great literary figure. I’m a commercial writer — a storyteller. I will always write about strong women, not tough ones — but women of substance,” Bradford remarked to the Times.

Bradford’s success turned her into one of those remarkable women herself, amassing a fortune surpassing $200 million, as reported by the Associated Press. In recognition of her achievements, she was commemorated with a postage stamp in the UK in 1999.

She wed television producer Bob Bradford in 1963, who later adapted 10 of her novels into films or television series. He passed away in 2019.

The TV adaptation of “A Woman of Substance,” featuring Jenny Seagrove and Liam Neeson, was both a commercial hit and received two Emmy nominations.

Jenny Seagrove expressed her fond memories of Bradford in a tribute posted on the author’s website, stating, “Her success never diminished her kindness or her ability to connect with everyone, from a cleaner to a princess. She always remembered her roots as a girl from Yorkshire who worked hard to achieve her dreams. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

HarperCollins CEO Charlie Redmayne remarked, “Barbara Taylor Bradford was an extraordinary writer whose first book, the internationally acclaimed ‘A Woman of Substance,’ transformed the lives of countless readers — and continues to do so. … For 45 years, she was a vital part of our company and a cherished friend — we will miss her greatly. However, there is comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved Bob. She led a life well-lived.”