One of the most inspiring women in the world, Maya Angelou was found dead at age 86 last Wednesday. The famous author has received numerous awards and more than 30 doctoral degrees for her works including her series of autobiographies. She gained recognition for her book "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings", which was published in 1969.
Aside from her literary works, she was also the mentor of many famous Hollywood personalities, including Oprah Winfrey, Arsenio Hall, and Tyler Perry. Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah for two episodes of the OWN program "Super Soul Sunday". Aside from that, she has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" several times.
The 60-year old TV host said, "I've been blessed to have Maya Angelou as my mentor, mother/sister, and friend since my 20's." Oprah revealed, "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."
The "Queen of All Media" proudly said, "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."
Maya Angelou may already be dead, but she still lives in the heart of many people. Arsenio Hall was felt honored to have one of the last interviews with the great author. In fact, he was praised by Angelou during their conversation. She told Hall, "I'm so proud of you and so grateful." She added, "I know we're really in the world of entertainment when I know that Arsenio Hall is back on television."
TV producer Tyler Perry also showed how much Maya Angelou means to him. He said, "There have only been a handful of people in my life who have moved me, inspired me, encouraged me, and helped mold the man I am today. One of those people would be Dr. Maya Angelou."
The 44-year old director also added, "Her words and her spirit are too powerful to leave this earth with her passing. Her legacy and poems will take wings, forever landing at the foundation of anything that betters humanity. Dr. Maya Angelou will live on in all of us who called her a phenomenal woman, phenomenally."
Maya Angelou may be dead, but her spirit will continue to live in people whom she has touched through her words and wisdom.
