Nelson DeMille, Bestselling Author ofPlum IslandandThe General's Daughter, Dies of Cancer at 81

Mar. 15, 2025

Nelson DeMille in 2023.Photo:Patrick McMullan via Getty

Patrick McMullan via Getty

Bestselling author Nelson DeMille has died.The writer died on Sept. 17 from esophageal cancer, his family confirmed toCBS Newsand theNew York Post.“Nelson fought a valiant nine-month battle with esophageal cancer. True to form, he faced this ordeal with courage, grace, and good humor,” his family said in a statement to CBS News. “We are grieving, but also celebrating his wonderful life and his lasting legacy as a father, friend, and storyteller.”DeMille was born on Aug. 23, 1943 in New York City. Perhis website, he was enrolled at Hofstra University for three years before leaving to join the U.S. Army. DeMille earned a Bronze Star serving in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division before he returned to Hofstra University to earn his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History.

Nelson DeMille in 2022.Craig Barritt/Getty

Craig Barritt/Getty

His other novels includedCathedral(1981),The Gold Coast(1990) andThe Cuban Affair(2017). His 1992 novelThe General’s Daughterwas adapted into a 1999 film starringJohn Travolta, and his booksMayday(1979), written with Thomas Block, andWord of Honor(1985) were also adapted into television movies. He co-authored the novelsThe Deserter(2019) andBlood Lines(2023) with his son Alex.DeMille was also an Honorary Trustee of the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association and held honorary doctorates from Hofstra University, Long Island University and Dowling College.

Nelson DeMille in 2008.Duffy-Marie Arnoult/WireImage

Duffy-Marie Arnoult/WireImage

“His warmth, generosity and kindness touched everyone who knew him, and will leave as much of a lasting legacy as his novels,” DeMille’s children wrote on Sept. 18 on the author’sofficial X account. “We grieve, but we also celebrate a life lived to its fullest. We love you Dad, and you will be with us always.”

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In a previous interview withJanuary Magazine, the author looked back on his prolific writing career and success.

source: people.com