Acclaimed author Maya Angelou dies at 86

Maya Angelou, the author of autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” among many other acclaimed works, has died at the age of 86.

In addition to being one of the most celebrated modern authors and poets in the world, Maya was a noted civil rights activist. She was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.

She recently said she would be unable to attend this Friday’s MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon, where she was to receive an honor, because of “health reasons.” She was hospitalized last month for an “unexpected ailment.” Her family later confirmed she suffered a “failed heart.”

Oprah considered Maya to be one of her great mentors. During a 2013 episode of Super Soul Sunday, Maya suggested the best advice she’s ever given had to do with friendship and preparing to meet God.

The best advice I have ever given, I hope, is that which I gave to my son when he was growing up. He said, ‘I don’t have any friends. How can I get some friends?’ And, although I was very young, I told him two things. I told him that in order to get a friend, you have to be a friend. Be ready to be a friend. And also I told him, ‘There’s a place in you that you must keep inviolate. You must keep pristine, clean, so that nobody has the right to curse you or treat you badly… Because that may be the place that you go to when you meet God.’

See her further explain why guarding a spot in the heart is so important — and how Oprah said she reacted when she first heard that advice from Maya in the 1980s…

UPDATE Maya’s family posted the following statement on her Facebook page…

Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love.