WASHINGTON — Poet Maya Angelou touched the lives of millions of people through her inspirational words and prolific writings.
She counted world leaders and celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill and Hillary Clinton and even South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu among her many friends.
She was selected to read during former President Clinton’s inauguration in 1993.
For that event, Angelou wrote and read an original composition, “On the Pulse of Morning,” which became a million-seller.
She was the author of more than 30 best-selling works, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
The professor of American studies at Wake Forest University also worked in film and TV and has won three Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts and the Lincoln Medal.
“I’m not modest,” she told The Associated Press in 2013.
“I have no modesty. Modesty is a learned behavior. But I do pray for humility, because humility comes from the inside out.”
Fans have taken to Twitter to express their sadness following Angelou’s death Wednesday morning at the age of 86:
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." – Maya Angelou.
— Mary J. Blige (@maryjblige) May 28, 2014
The world was a better place because Dr. Maya Angelou was in it. #RIPMaya http://t.co/O4F6460gS3 pic.twitter.com/j2nyPsRNqw"
— Queen Latifah Show (@qlshow) May 28, 2014
A mighty tree has fallen. #MayaAngelou tribute tonight and tomorrow night on @PBS
— Tavis Smiley (@tavissmiley) May 28, 2014
#MayaAngelou took me on my very first trip to Africa as a kid. We've been like mother and son since. What a life, what a legacy.
— Tavis Smiley (@tavissmiley) May 28, 2014
NYC and the world have lost a voice of conscience and hope in #MayaAngelou.
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) May 28, 2014
Thank you, #MayaAngelou, for teaching the rest of us how to use words with bravery and grace to move the world to tears and action.
— Jodi Picoult (@jodipicoult) May 28, 2014
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
#MayaAngelou
— Victoria's Secret (@VictoriasSecret) May 28, 2014
One of the most extraordinary moments of my life was styling #MayaAngelou for Essence cover & she locked us in the bathroom to chat
— MichaelaAngela Davis (@MichaelaAngelaD) May 28, 2014
Inspiring words & wisdom of #Harlem's very own #MayaAngelou will live in our hearts & memories forever pic.twitter.com/QefPzkoWdb
— Charles Rangel (@cbrangel) May 28, 2014
Won’t forget #MayaAngelou singing, "When it looked like the sun wasn't gonna shine anymore, God put a rainbow in the sky” @UDelaware in