British-American novelist, playwright and commentator, Bonnie Greer, has died aged 77 following a brief illness.

Her husband David Hutchins confirmed her passing in a statement on Wednesday, saying that the play Munda Negra and the novel Hanging By Her Teeth writer passed away on Tuesday.

“Bonnie was an acclaimed playwright, author, critic, cultural and political commentator whose intelligence, courage and distinctive voice made an enduring contribution to British cultural and public life,” Mr Hutchins said.

He added, “To me, she was my partner, confidante and inspiration, and I feel profoundly privileged to have shared my life with her. Those closest to Bonnie will remember her warmth, humour, generosity and extraordinary ability to bring people together.

“At this immensely difficult time, we ask that our family’s privacy be respected. She will be deeply missed.”

Ms Greer was born in Chicago, United States in 1948 before moving to the United Kingdom 1986. She became a citizen in 1997. 

Some of her other acclaimed works include Entropy,  biography Langston Hughes: The Value Of Contradiction, and the play Marilyn And Ella about actress Marilyn Monroe and singer Ella Fitzgerald.

In 2010, she was appointed to the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her work in the arts, and in 2022 was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Meanwhile, tributes have started to pour in from the public, mourning her death.

“RIP Bonnie Greer. Very sad news. There was a period in the 90s/00s when Bonnie was probably the most important and high profile black cultural commentator in the UK. Other than her writing, she also sat on many important boards – representing,” Bernardine Evaristo said in a social media post.

In an Instagram post, former deputy prime minister David Lammy described Ms Greer as “a powerful wordsmith and artist, she was eloquent and exacting. A true life force.”

“So sad to hear the news about Bonnie Greer. Bonnie’s voice brought courage, humour and humanity to Britain’s cultural conversation. She inspired and opened doors for so many others. 

“And she was great fun too – I will miss her friendship enormously. My thoughts are with her loved ones,” Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a X post.