Pat Conroy, whose bestselling novels including Prince of Tides were based on his troubled childhood in South Carolina, has died, aged 70.
The writer, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only last month, passed away on Friday surrounded by family at his home in Beaufort in his home state, said his publisher.
Conroy's books sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.
His 1986 novel, The Prince of Tides, about a jobless teacher who falls in love with his suicidal sister's psychiatrist, was turned into a 1991 Hollywood movie starring Nick Nolte and Barbra Streisand.
The film received seven Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture and one for Conroy as the screenplay co-author.
The Great Santini, published in 1976, was inspired by his abusive father, a swaggering Marine fighter pilot. The novel became a 1979 movie starring Robert Duvall.
Conroy also mined his time at The Citadel military college for his 1980 novel Lords of Discipline.
The book's portrayal of racial tensions at the Charleston academy enraged its leaders.
But Conroy went on to write a 2002 memoir about his time at the school, titled My Losing Season.
His father eventually overcame his objections to how he was portrayed in The Great Santini, and even accompanied the author to book signings.
The author, who had been living in Beaufort since 1993, was working on another novel at the time of his death.
After learning he had cancer, Conroy - who also battled other health problems and depression - vowed to "fight it hard".
Announcing his diagnosis on Facebook on 15 February, he wrote: "I celebrated my 70th birthday in October and realized that I've spent my whole writing life trying to find out who I am and I don't believe I've even come close."
Conroy's books, including a cookbook that he authored, were regulars on the New York Times bestseller list.
He is survived by his wife, the novelist Cassandra King.
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