Interview with a Vampire author Anne Rice dies, aged 80

"In her final hours, I sat beside her hospital bed in awe of her accomplishments and her courage, awash in memories of a life that took us from the fog laced hills of the San Francisco Bay Area to the magical streets of New Orleans to the twinkling vistas of Southern California.

"As she kissed Anne goodbye, her younger sister Karen said, “What a ride you took us on, kid.” I think we can all agree. Let us take comfort in the shared hope that Anne is now experiencing firsthand the glorious answers to many great spiritual and cosmic questions, the quest for which defined her life and career."

He then thanked all of Anne's fans and supporters for everything throughout the years.

"Throughout much of her final years, your contributions to this page brought her much joy, along with a profound sense of friendship and community."

Many people paid tribute to the late author in the comments section. "This is such sad news! Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. And deep gratitude for her life as a writer, enriching the lives of so many people," one person wrote. "My condolences - she was truly one of a kind. Heart broken. Rest In Peace Anne," another said. Anne was best known her bestselling novel, Interview With A Vampire, which went on to become a film starring Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Kirsten Dunst. Her final novel, Blood Communion: A Tale of Prince Lestat, part of The Vampire Chronicles saga, was released in 2018.