In a public statement issued by Oprah Winfrey, she defined Maya Angelou as a teacher at heart:
"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."
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J.K. Rowling@jk_rowling Follow
"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." Maya Angelou - who was utterly amazing.
Ellen DeGeneres@TheEllenShow Follow
Today the world lost one of it's greatest gifts. I'm sending love to the friends and family of Maya Angelou.
Sesame Street@sesamestreet Follow
We're saddened by the passing of our friend Maya Angelou. Thank you for all you've done, and for all the hugs.
MC HAMMER@MCHammer Follow
You challenged the dark silence,Your words empowered & inspired, the determined human spirit could defeat all foes "Still I Rise" #RIPMAYA
Rihanna@rihanna Follow
She made us feel so safe, safe enough to trust her wisdom! Wisdom one can usually only acquire through experience!
Rihanna@rihanna Follow
Maya Angelou...I am so grateful that you shared your honesty, your talent, and your craft with the world. We have been made better for it.
mia farrow@MiaFarrow Follow
"When I think of death, and of late the idea has come with alarming frequency, I seem at peace with the idea that a day will dawn when I will no longer be among those living in this valley of strange humors. I can accept the idea of my own demise, but I am unable to accept the death of anyone else. I find it impossible to let a friend or relative go into that country of no return. Disbelief becomes my close companion, and anger follows in its wake. I answer the heroic question 'Death, where is thy sting? ' with ' it is here in my heart and mind and memories.' Maya Angelou #Rip
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Nancy Pelosi@NancyPelosi Follo
And now we have a Queen Angel, rest Maya Angelou, thank you for your many gifts.
Arianna Huffington
@ariannahuff Follow
