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Celebrities React to Maya Angelou's Death
In a statement on her Facebook page, her family remembered her as a “warrior for equality, tolerance, and peace.”
Celebrities have also taken to social media to celebrate her legacy.
Beyoncé called her a “phenomenal woman” and posted a handwritten copy of her poem “Still I Rise,” while Rihanna recalled reading her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings as a teenager.
Others including Mary J. Blige and Lil Wayne quoted some of her famous words. Common, who worked with the wordsmith on his song “The Dreamer,” declared her his hero.
Read their heartfelt tributes to Dr. Angelou below.
Beyoncé: Rest in peace phenomenal woman.
Lil Wayne: “I’ve learned that people will forget what u said,people will forget what u did,but people will never forget how u made them feel” Maya
Nas: Momentarily took the air out of me hearing you passed over. Then I smiled for you. REST IN GLORY MAYA ANGELOU. Luv!
Kelly Rowland: God, thank you for sharing your Angel with us! Her extraordinary gift encouraged many! You will remain in our hearts forever! #weloveyouMayaAngelou
Pharrell Williams: Saddened by the news of Maya Angelou’s passing. A brilliant woman who contributed so much to the world. Her light will be sorely missed.
Rihanna: Angel. #RIPMayaAngelou The first book I read as a teenager, “I know why the caged bird sings”. Felt like we knew her. She made us feel so safe, safe enough to trust her wisdom! Wisdom one can usually only acquire through experience! Thank You #MayaAngelou :’)
The Game: Rest in peace to one of our generations greatest inspirations.
Solange: Your words will forever remain deep within the skin, and in the souls of many.
Lupe Fiasco: You already know! RIP Maya Angelou…I hope you and James Baldwin are kicking it somethin special 🙂
K. Michelle: Such a leader and beautiful spirit. Thank you!
Swizz Beatz: RIP to Maya Angelou the Great
Christina Milian: May you rest peacefully #MayaAngelou May your words continue to inspire and resonate till the end of time.
Jazmine Sullivan: RIP Maya Angelou
Tiara Thomas: “Nothing will work unless you do” thank you for your contribution and inspiration #MayaAngelou
Q-Tip: Wow RIP To 1 of my big inspirations and to one of the worlds sharpest, most beautiful minds.
Michelle Williams: Sending my condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Maya Angelou!. #RIPMaya
Talib Kweli: Absolutely heartbroken. We love you Maya. Rest in power Queen.
Fantasia: Maya Angelo WHAT AN ANGEL YOU ARE NOW.. Up in Heaven Speaking and Bringing Tears to those Angels Eyes. I remember hearing you speak at an event.. WOW!!! Is all I can say.. Fly Angel Fly (Rest Lovely Lady Rest)
Common: I was thinking about her lately. GOD Bless the Soul of one of my heroes. Dr Maya Angelou
John Legend: RIP Maya Angelou. What a beautiful soul.
Alicia Keys: She is the most incredible example of survival and thriving and using experience as a tonic of encouragement and possibility! An angel on earth has ascended to heaven!! Thank you beautiful Dr. Angelou for all that you have left behind for us! We miss you already!
The-Dream: To the Queen Maya Angelou . on behalf of my Generation and as a pupil in this field of Words I want to let you know we will Miss you and We Love You more than we can even imagine! your Words when I was a child were the First piercings of My Mind, Id Read You Over and over as a 6 year old.
Ashanti: RIP to one of the most iconic phenomenal, inspirational, literary poets of our time..she has inspired me since middle school, her words are not only uplifting… They’re honest, powerful & profound.. She was an amazing philosopher who touched lives around the globe. She has opened doors for black women like myself to write freely & from the soul.
Janet Jackson: Dr. Maya Angelou was truly inspirational. Her life, rich with experience – bad and good. Her voice touched our hearts, and helped us to better understand ourselves. I will miss her.
OutKast: Rest in peace to the Poet Queen, Maya Angelou