Amy Krouse Rosenthal, the author behind a heartbreaking “Modern Love” essay that appeared in The New York Times earlier this month, died on Monday. The Chicago-based writer of adult and children’s books, who’d been battling ovarian cancer since 2015, was 51.

Rosenthal published more than 30 books throughout her career, including Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life (2005), The Same Phrase Describes My Marriage and My Breasts (1999), and the Duck! Rabbit! picture book. She also produced short films and YouTube videos and contributed to TED Talks and NPR.

Her widely read essay, “You May Want to Marry My Husband,” was published on March 3. In that piece, she imagined a dating profile for the husband she would leave behind when she died. “He is an easy man to fall in love with,” she wrote, recounting how the pair met in 1989 when they were only 24. “I did it in one day.”

After learning she didn't have long to live, she composed a dating profile for the man she'd leave behind https://t.co/keOYtbfHX1 — The New York Times (@nytimes) March 5, 2017

The viral essay garnered more than 1,300 comments from readers, who expressed overwhelming gratitude for Rosenthal’s words. “I greatly appreciate you, Amy,” Ryan from Denver wrote, “for writing this and for giving me a perspective on what I hope for one day.”

Jason, her husband of 26 years and father to their three children, issued a response to the essay, telling NBC News, “It is Amy’s gift with words that has drawn the universe in. Unfortunately, I do not have the same aptitude for the written word, but if I did I can assure you that my tale would be about the most epic love story — ours.”

Shortly after, the “Today” show reported that Rosenthal was in hospice care, surrounded by family members who asked for privacy. The New York Times confirmed Rosenthal’s death over Twitter on Monday.

Fans of her writing have now begun to share stories of Rosenthal’s influence. Famed author John Green told The Chicago Sun Times, “It’s hard to imagine what my professional life or my personal life would look like without Amy’s influence. Amy taught me that, for writing to work, it has to be a gift for the reader, rather than an attempt to impress them or an attempt to think you’re cool or whatever.”

Read some of the many tributes below.

My friend Amy Krouse Rosenthal has died. She was a brilliant writer, and an even better friend. Amy's genius was in her generosity... — John Green (@johngreen) March 13, 2017

RIP Amy Krouse Rosenthal. We were honored to have you as a blogger and host of "Writers Block Party." https://t.co/yXR7sDnJCt — WBEZ (@WBEZ) March 13, 2017

"I Wish You More" RIP Amy Krouse Rosenthal. The Chicago literary community is less joyous today. — Melody Ekstrom (@mdemanatee) March 13, 2017

Very sad news: Amy Krouse Rosenthal, author of more than 20 books for children, died this morning from cancer. pic.twitter.com/ge9EnhLpfx — Children's Bookshelf (@PWKidsBookshelf) March 13, 2017

RIP, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, author of the incredible essay "You May Want To Marry My Husband." All our sympathies to your family. https://t.co/q97XNPzSyT — Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) March 13, 2017

Amy Krouse Rosenthal died today. Her last piece for the NYT was amazing:https://t.co/1VPCKKbN80 — Ryan North (@ryanqnorth) March 13, 2017

RIP Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who touched so many people's lives. https://t.co/LvQVOZXk1f — Pamela Paul (@PamelaPaulNYT) March 13, 2017

A page from the late, great Amy Krouse Rosenthal's notebook makes for a poignant screensaver. Instant perspective. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9qdAheYFue — Tim Federle (@TimFederle) March 13, 2017