Jackie, who largely kept her illness from the press since her diagnosis in recent years, chose instead to share her journey with her three children, Tracy, Tiffany and Rory.
Commenting on the star's passing, a spokesman for her family said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful, dynamic and one of a kind mother, Jackie Collins, who died of breast cancer today.
"She lived a wonderfully full life and was adored by her family, friends and the millions of readers who she has been entertaining for over four decades."
Paying tribute to the world-famous author, the statement finished: "She was a true inspiration, a trail blazer for women in fiction and a creative force. She will live on through her characters but we already miss her beyond words."
Opening up about her sister's six-year- battle with the disease, much-loved actress Joan Collins revealed she only became aware of her sister's illness in the past fortnight.
Five years her sister's junior, Jackie sought to protect Joan from the upset her condition may have caused, recently telling People magazine: "I didn't tell her sooner because it would have really affected her. I just felt she didn't need it in her life."
The mum-of-three reflected on her sister's reaction to the heartbreaking news, saying: "She was very shocked. She had no idea. But she was great. We were emotional."
Justifying her decision to conceal her illness from the Dynasty actress, Jackie continued: "She's very positive and very social but I'm not sure how strong she is, so I didn't want to burden her with it."
Opening up about her sister's passing yesterday, 83-year-old mum-of-three Joan said: "She was my best friend. I admire how she handled this. She was a wonderful, brave and a beautiful person and I love her."
Jackie, who penned 32 novels over the course of her career, made public appearances right up until her demise yesterday, having chatted on the set of Loose Women just nine days before her tragic passing.
Our thoughts go out to Jackie's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
