Washington: The literary world is mourning the loss of LJ Smith, the beloved author behind the The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle series, who passed away on March 8 at the age of 66.

According to a statement on her official website, Smith died after a long battle with a rare autoimmune disease that she had been fighting for over a decade.

Remembered as “a kind and gentle soul” with "brilliance, creativity, resilience, and empathy," Smith's legacy lives on through her impactful writing that captivated millions of readers and fans around the world. Her family, friends, and fans all cherish the lasting impression she made on their lives.

Smith’s career spanned more than three decades, during which she wrote several bestselling novels. Her The Vampire Diaries series became a global phenomenon, particularly after it was adapted into a successful television series in 2009.

The show ran for eight seasons, won 30 Teen Choice Awards, and helped launch the careers of Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder into international stardom.

In addition to The Vampire Diaries, Smith was also the author of The Secret Circle trilogy, which was turned into a TV drama in 2011. Her other notable works included the Night World series, Dark Visions, and The Forbidden Game trilogies.

Despite facing challenges in her career, including being dropped by her publishers in 2011—who owned the rights to The Vampire Diaries—Smith continued to write and publish new works, releasing additional installments of The Vampire Diaries through Amazon's Kindle Worlds program. Her enduring passion for writing and her connection with fans will be remembered for years to come.