One of the most notable poetic voices in recent history fell silent this week.
Poet/author Maya Angelou passed away at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Wednesday at the age of 86.
Many celebrities took to Twitter to remember Maya, and look back on some of their favorite quotes from the literary icon.
Here’s what they had to say:
Oprah Winfrey: “I’ve been blessed to have Maya Angelou as my mentor, mother/sister, and friend since my 20’s. She was there for me always, guiding me through some of the most important years of my life. The world knows her as a poet but at the heart of her, she was a teacher. ‘When you learn, teach. When you get, give’ is one of my best lessons from her.
She won three Grammys, spoke six languages and was the second poet in history to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration. But what stands out to me most about Maya Angelou is not what she has done or written or spoken, it’s how she lived her life. She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace. I loved her and I know she loved me. I will profoundly miss her. She will always be the rainbow in my clouds.”
Today the world lost one of it’s greatest gifts. I’m sending love to the friends and family of Maya Angelou.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) May 28, 2014
But still, like air, she rises. Yes Ma’am. Rise. Rise. Rise. #MayaAngelou
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) May 28, 2014
Maya Angelou. You broadened our mental landscape with your brilliant writing. Rest in peace.
— Darby Stanchfield (@darbysofficial) May 28, 2014
Angel. #RIPMayaAngelou The first book I read as a teenager, “I know why the caged bird sings”. Felt like we knew her pic.twitter.com/inHEh9zIhs
— Rihanna (@rihanna) May 28, 2014
RIP Maya Angelou, a badass woman who saw the impossible as merely a dare. http://t.co/9wIMQKKcu2 pic.twitter.com/zJuFV9Uayf
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) May 28, 2014
Thank you, Dr. Maya Angelou, for your wonderful words and wisdom. Rest in peace.
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) May 28, 2014
The world lost an incredible woman today who inspired me and millions of others. #RIP Maya Angelou
— Eva Longoria (@EvaLongoria) May 28, 2014
RIP Maya Angelou. What a beautiful soul.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 28, 2014
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”-Maya Angelou, May your words forever resound.
— Leona Lewis (@leonalewismusic) May 28, 2014
— Erin O’Sullivan
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