Iconic Author of Gothic Novels Anne Rice Dies at 80

Anne Rice, author of the best-selling Vampire Chronicles novel series, died at the age of 80, her son announced on Sunday.

Christopher Rice posted on Twitter early Sunday: “. . . my mother, Anne Rice, passed away due to complications resulting from a stroke. . . The immensity of our family’s grief cannot be overstated.”

https://twitter.com/chrisricewriter/status/1469920725771325444

Rice is best known for her Vampire Chronicles books, which included "Interview With the Vampire", "The Vampire Lestat," and "The Queen of the Damned".

"Interview With the Vampire" book was adapted into a movie in 1994, starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

AMC Networks is set to premiere a series next year based on "Interview with the Vampire". The company has acquired the rights to 18 of Rice’s books.

The prolific author wrote over 30 books and had more than a million followers on Facebook, according to her website.

In the late 1990s, the author rediscovered her Catholic faith, according to biography.com. That discovery prompted her to write "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt" and "Angel Time".

Rice was born in New Orleans where the city became the backdrop for many of her books.

Her son said in his post: “Next year, a celebration of her life will take place in New Orleans. This event will be open to the public and will invite the participation of her friends, readers, and fans who brought her such joy and inspiration throughout her life.”