Author Sophie Kinsella opened up about her battle with a glioblastoma — an “aggressive” form of brain cancer — before her death.
Back in 2000, Kinsella found success with the release of her The Shopaholic series, starting with Confessions of a Shopaholic, which was later turned into a hit film starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy. She also penned several standalone novels before announcing her cancer diagnosis in 2022.
Her journey with her health later inspired her 2024 novel What Does It Feel Like?, released one year before the author’s death at age 55 in December 2025.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy). She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy,” Kinsella’s family said in a statement. “We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life.”
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The statement continued. “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. She will be missed so much our hearts are breaking💔💔💔.”
Before her death, Kinsella discussed her diagnosis and how it affected her personal and professional life. Keep scrolling for everything to know about glioblastoma:
What Is Glioblastoma Brain Cancer?
According to Cleveland Clinic, Glioblastoma is a grade IV brain tumor that starts in your brain and spinal cord. Glioblastoma cancer cells “grow, multiply quickly and the cancer invades and destroys healthy surrounding tissue.” There isn’t a known cure but treatment may improve quality of life.
What Did Sophie Kinsella Say About Her Cancer?
After going public with her health battle, Kinsella issued a message of thanks to those who stood by her side.
“Since my glioblastoma diagnosis in 2022 | have been surrounded by the love and support of so many friends, family and readers from around the world,” she wrote via Instagram in June 2025. “I’m incredibly grateful too for the wonderful medical care l’ve received. Brain cancer is an exceptionally hard to treat disease, and needs so much more research.”
Kinsella showed support toward the Brain Tumour Charity, adding, “[It is] is a fantastic supporter of research and trials which will make a difference to sufferers and families now, and to those who are diagnosed in the future.”
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How Did Sophie Kinsella’s Experience Inspire Her Work?
Kinsella released a novel in October 2024 that followed a successful novelist who woke up one day in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Her husband told her that she had an operation to remove the large, malignant tumor growing in her brain. What Does It Feel Like? centered on the main character’s journey to learn to walk, talk, and write again while coming to terms with her diagnosis.
“Why did I write such a personal book? I have always processed my life through writing. Hiding behind my fictional characters, I have always turned my own life into a narrative,” the author shared in a statement. “It is my version of therapy, maybe. Writing is my happy place, and writing this book, although tough going at times, was immensely satisfying and therapeutic for me.”
Who Else Has Spoken Out About Their Battle With Glioblastoma?
Today host Sheinelle Jones took a leave of absence in 2025 after her husband, Uche Ojeh, was diagnosed with glioblastoma. The Wanted’s Tom Parker revealed he had an inoperable stage-four glioblastoma in September 2020. Singer Michael Bolton has also discussed his diagnosis, which resulted in short-term memory, speech and mobility issues while undergoing treatments.