Legendary Actor Cicely Tyson Dies at 96: "Her Power and Grace Will Be With Us Forever"

"This one hurts, today we honour and celebrate the life of one of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you Cicely Tyson. Rest in great power."

"#CicelyTyson was a national treasure who paved the way for so many of us. #RIP Ms. Tyson! It was truly an honour to work with you."

"To have gotten to be in the same room as you multiple times, is truly to have been in the presence of GREATNESS!!. There are no words, just all the feelings you've evoked in us all and the indescribable blueprint, legacy you leave for us all. Thank you REST IN POWER! #cicelytyson."

"Rest in power cicely. thank you for being such a bright light and inspiration in my life. i know you and grandma roxie are together now havin a big ol laugh."

"The last time I was in Ms. Tyson's presence, I got to thank her. For her light. Her legacy. Her astonishing inspiration. Her impact. She defied the odds. She has helped many of us recognise that our dreams can be realised if only we believe in ourselves. What a beautiful life she lived. Now may she rest. Godspeed 👑🕊"

"If only we could be as blessed as the prolific, vivacious and pioneering Cicely Tyson to live to be 96 and have had such a full life, accomplish so many awesome milestones and leave such an incredible body of work. She'll never be forgetten! #CicelyTyson"

"QUEEN somehow just doesn't capture MS. TYSON. Her legacy has left an indelible mark. She paved a way that created a space for girls like me to feel the light. Thank you GODDESS CICELY. Rest in power."

"Your hugs I'll remember. How your petite arms wrapped around me like mighty branches of a sunlit tree, strong and warm. Your laugh I'll remember. How it came easily and heartily and sounded like good music. Your work I'll remember. How your brave portrayals transformed the way the world witnessed Black women, whether they could accept what you shared or not. Your words I'll remember. How each time I hung up the phone, I'd write them down so as not forget the precious jewels of encouragement and wisdom you'd gifted me. Your love I'll remember. You loved me for some reason. You told me so often. I thank you for that forever and I'll carry your love with me as I go. Bless you as you journey ahead, Your Majesty. Until we meet again . . ."

"I was sitting at the table working when I got this overwhelming feeling to watch [The Autobiography of] Miss Jane Pittman. I hadn't seen the movie in years. I didn't even understand the feeling to turn it on, but I did anyway. Not 12 minutes into the movie my phone rang. It was Oprah calling to tell me that Cicely had died. This one brought me to my knees! She was the grandmother I never had and the wisdom tree that I could always sit under to fill my cup. My heart breaks in one beat, while celebrating her life in the next. To think that she lived for 96 years and I got to be a part of the last 16 brings me great joy. She called me son. Well, today your son grieves your loss and will miss our long talks, your laughter from your belly, and your very presence. Always so regal, always so classy, always a lady, always a queen. Every time we would talk I would ask, 'How are you?' and you would say, 'I'm still here. He must have something he wants me to do.' Well, I think it's safe to say you have done all you were put here to do, and we are all better for it."

"Ms. Cicely Tyson. You leave us with so many gifts and treasures. Thank you for all you shared with us. THANK YOU."

"Legendary is an understatement when it comes to the essence of who you are! Thank you for your existence, your brilliance & tireless efforts to push the culture forward. There will never be another but rest well knowing we will continue to burn the flame you lit. #RIPCicelyTyson"

"WOW...what a life!! 🙏🏾 Rest In Peace Cicely Tyson, you paved the way for SO many of us and I can't express my gratitude enough! A true icon, legend, and showstopper — you will be truly missed ❤️"