29 | January | 2021 | The Obama Diary

What struck me every time I spent time with Cicely Tyson was not necessarily her star power—though that was evident enough—it was her humanity. Just by walking into a room, she had this way of elevating everyone around her. pic.twitter.com/o6VAV63wqd
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) January 29, 2021

She was the personification of beauty, grace, wisdom, and strength, carrying forward a flame that not only guided her for 96 pathbreaking years but lit the way for so many of us.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) January 29, 2021

I’ll miss her dearly, but I smile knowing how many people she inspired, just like me, to walk a little taller, speak a little more freely, and live a little bit more like God intended.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) January 29, 2021

In her extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson was one of the rare award-winning actors whose work on the screen was surpassed only by what she was able to accomplish off of it. She had a heart unlike any other—and for 96 years, she left a mark on the world that few will ever match. pic.twitter.com/JRsL3zlKtP
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 29, 2021

Thank you President and Forever FLOTUS Obama for honoring Queen Cicely Tyson and giving her her due flowers while she was with us. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/FgoA85sKs4
— Madam Vice President Harris is THEE GOAT! (@flywithkamala) January 29, 2021

The art of rewriting an entire narrative is rare – but #CicelyTyson did so. She infused film with the power of transfiguration, showing black women, marginalized women, underestimated women in their abundant glory. And the world will never be the same. God’s rest to you, madam.
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) January 29, 2021

"When the time comes, what do you want us to remember about you?"pic.twitter.com/JwT0GZcNCb
— Fiona Applebum says block Shaun King! (@WrittenByHanna) January 29, 2021

I'm devastated. My heart is just broken. I loved you so much!! You were everything to me! You made me feel loved and seen and valued in a world where there is still a cloak of invisibility for us dark chocolate girls. You gave me permission to dream… https://t.co/7V7AFZtFLa pic.twitter.com/l2TLfM4weX
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 29, 2021

A stage & screen icon, Cicely Tyson used her great talent to tell the stories of Black women and Black history with dignity and grace. Through her acclaimed performances, her philanthropy & more, her life will continue to inspire generations.

Job very well done, Ms. Tyson. pic.twitter.com/G82oFYggAk
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) January 29, 2021

In a new memoir, legendary actress Cicely Tyson is opening up about her impressive career and personal life.@GayleKing caught up with 96-year-old @IAmCicelyTyson to reflect on the defining moments in her life, starting with a reporter’s question that caught her off guard. pic.twitter.com/86xvScQ4ys
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) January 26, 2021

This one hurts, today we honor and celebrate the life of one of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you Cicely Tyson. Rest in great power. pic.twitter.com/vwchWT5512
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) January 29, 2021

Losing Cicely Tyson is just a devastating blow. There are just some people you believe will be around forever.
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 29, 2021

Cicely Tyson was a force of nature and and a transcendent voice and talent. There is no way to fully capture how much she meant to the world. Sleep well, queen. pic.twitter.com/MDp9LR8CSb
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) January 29, 2021

Cicely Tyson is one of those legends you’d hoped we would have forever. And you knew it was a silly dream but you dreamt it anyway. This day is hard for so many reasons. This is a massive loss. Thank you for your gifts, queen.
— Robin Thede (@robinthede) January 29, 2021

Thank you, Cicely Tyson for giving us 96 years. You were everything and more.

Brilliant. Fierce. Beautiful.

This hurts.
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) January 29, 2021

I’m a bit heartbroken at the moment, but Cicely lived an incredibly beautiful life. She shared her art with us every chance she could. We have so many moving performances of hers to cherish and now, we have her memoir.

What. A. Life.
What. A. Legacy.

Rest In Peace, Ms. Tyson. pic.twitter.com/RSGbpvCjba
— Gia Peppers (@GiaPeppers) January 29, 2021

Rest in power, Cicely Tyson. Forever our queen pic.twitter.com/DZH93RDJwV
— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) January 29, 2021

I’m glad Cicely Tyson lived a full life and she received her flowers in real time. What a journey her life has been and I’m so thankful for her presence and her contributions on screen.

What an inspiring and beautiful woman. Heaven truly gained an Angel🕊
— Wanna (@WannasWorld) January 29, 2021

She got her flowers while she could still smell them. Im so glad. pic.twitter.com/SGhJAopb2C
— Get in bitches, we’re headed to revolution (@AFlyBlackLeftie) January 29, 2021