Pat Conroy, the acclaimed author responsible for bestselling novels like "The Prince of Tides," "The Lords of Discipline," and "The Great Santini," died Friday evening at his home in Beaufort, S.C., at the age of 70.
Conroy's death was confirmed by Todd Doughty, the executive director of publicity at his publisher Doubleday, who said that the novelist breathed his last in the presence of family and loved ones.
"The water is wide and he has now passed over," said Cassandra Conroy, the late author's wife.
The tragic news comes weeks after Conroy announced on his official Facebook page that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
"I have recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer," the author said at the time. "With the help of the wonderful people at M.D. Anderson I intend to fight it hard. I am grateful to all my beloved readers, my friends and my family for their prayers. I owe you a novel and I intend to deliver it."
=Conroy was famous for writing novels that revolved around dysfunctional families and troubled relationships, and they were often inspired by his own life.
"The Great Santini's" main character of Lt. Col. Wilbur "Bull" Meechum was inspired by his father, Donald, an abusive Marine Corps fighter pilot. The book was made into a film in 1979, with Robert Duvall playing the role of Meechum and Blythe Danner as his wife. Duvall picked up an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the film.
"The Prince of Tides" also got its own film adaptation. The 1991 film of the same name featured Nick Nolte alongside Barbra Streisand. Pat Conroy wrote the film's screenplay, for which he received an Oscar nomination.
Pat Conroy's "The Lords of Discipline," based on his life at the Citadel military academy, transitioned to the silver screen in 1980. His other books include "My Losing Season," "Beach Music" and "South of Broad."
"Pat has been my beloved friend and author for 35 years, spanning his career from 'The Prince of Tides' to today," said Nan A. Talese of Doubleday, his longtime editor and publisher. "He will be cherished as one of America's favorite and bestselling writers, and I will miss him terribly."
Conroy is survived by his wife, two daughters, two sisters, three brothers and seven grandchildren.
