Author Jackie Collins Dies at 77 After Battling Breast Cancer

Over the weekend news broke that famed romance author Jackie Collins passed away after a six year battle with breast cancer on Saturday, September 19th. The 77 year old published over 36 novels during her four decade career, primarily focusing on the inner workings of the rich and famous. She is survived by her three adult daughters.

According to PEOPLE Collins chose to keep her cancer diagnosis private until a few weeks ago.

Collins, who sat down with PEOPLE on Sept. 14 at her Beverly Hills home for what would be her last interview, had no regrets about the decision to keep her cancer journey private while she embraced a very full life until her very last days. "Looking back, I'm not sorry about anything I did," she said during the far-ranging interview that saw her spirited, warm and utterly at peace.

"I did it my way, as Frank Sinatra would say. I've written five books since the diagnosis, I've lived my life, I've travelled 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," said Collins, whose treatments over the years included a lumpectomy, radiation and various drug courses and combinations.

A private memorial service will be held in the United Kingdom. Collins' final book, THE SANTANGELOS, was published in June.