Additional Coverage:
- Sophie Kinsella, ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ author, dead at 55 following brain cancer battle (foxnews.com)
Sophie Kinsella, Beloved ‘Shopaholic’ Author, Dies at 55 After Brain Cancer Battle
Sophie Kinsella, the internationally acclaimed author behind the bestselling “Confessions of a Shopaholic” series, has passed away at the age of 55 following a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Her family announced her peaceful passing on Wednesday via her official Instagram account.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy),” the emotional statement read. “She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy.”
The post continued, highlighting the author’s remarkable spirit: “We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life. Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed – to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career. She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received.”
Kinsella, whose real name was Madeleine Wickham, first shared her glioblastoma diagnosis with her readers in April 2024. In a candid Instagram post, she explained her delay in sharing the news, stating, “I did not share this before because I wanted to make sure that my children were able to hear and process the news in privacy and adapt to our ‘new normal.’” She also spoke of undergoing successful surgery, radiotherapy, and ongoing chemotherapy, noting that at the time, her condition was stable, despite fatigue and a jokingly worsened memory.
Earlier this year, Kinsella appeared on “Good Morning America” with Robin Roberts, discussing the initial warning signs that led to her diagnosis. She described experiencing stumbling, tripping, severe headaches, and confusion, culminating in her “tipping over in my chair” – a moment that prompted her to seek medical attention. A subsequent brain scan revealed a grade 4 glioblastoma, leading to an eight-hour surgery ten days later.
“They found the tumor, and they got it all out as much as they could see,” Kinsella shared, calling the surgery a “triumph.” While her recovery involved memory gaps, she praised her husband, Henry Wickham, for his unwavering support. “He has just been such a hero,” she said, recalling his promise to stay by her side “in sickness and in health.”
Sophie Kinsella is survived by her devoted husband, Henry Wickham, and their five children, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and literary charm that touched millions of readers worldwide.