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Tributes pour in for Maya Angelou

May 28, 2014 / 10:06 AM EDT / CBS News

Dr. Maya Angelou, the African-American author, poet and civil rights activist has died at the age of 86

Maya Angelou, poet and author, dead at 86 03:37

Tributes have started to pour in for Maya Angelou who has died at age 86.

The poet and author rose to fame with her 1969 autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and went on to have a successful career in books, movies and television.

See how people are remembering the late writer:

The beautiful Maya Angelou died this morning. A big and radiant soul, at rest at last.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) May 28, 2014

Maya Angelou was one of kind in all the best of ways.. What a glorious life she will be so deeply… http://t.co/QRUrQDNTei
— Gayle King (@GayleKing) May 28, 2014

RIP Maya Angelou. What a beautiful soul.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) May 28, 2014

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.
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) May 28, 2014

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." Maya Angelou - who was utterly amazing.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 28, 2014

"Her greatest stories were true." —President Obama on Maya Angelou
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 28, 2014

Post by Oprah Winfrey.

Post by Chelsea Clinton.

Post by Diddy.

Thank you, Dr. Maya Angelou, for your wonderful words and wisdom. Rest in peace.
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) May 28, 2014

Saddened by the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou. Grateful for all she taught us with her words & spirit. Will never forget how she made me feel.
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) May 28, 2014

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

Post by George Takei.

Post by Nancy Pelosi.

Post by Toni Morrison.

Rest in peace, Dr. Maya Angelou. The world is better because of your voice.
— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) May 28, 2014

So saddened by the news of Maya Angelou's passing. A true inspiration, fluent in 7 languages 13 honorary degrees. pic.twitter.com/Le8n2bjYO4
— Rocco DiSpirito (@roccodispirito) May 28, 2014

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou, whose words changed so much.
— Ronan Farrow (@RonanFarrow) May 28, 2014

RIP Maya Angelou. A great woman.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 28, 2014

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." - Maya Angelou.
— Mary J. Blige (@maryjblige) May 28, 2014

RIP to one of the greatest women this world has ever known. Thank you Maya Angelou for all of the gifts and knowledge you gave us...
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) May 28, 2014

Sending my condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Maya Angelou!. #RIPMaya
— Michelle Williams (@RealMichelleW) May 28, 2014

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