![Maya Angelou, Barack Obama](https://media.guestofaguest.com/t_article_content/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/10413792_1623729727853129_1199504074_n.jpg)
Seen here awarding Angelou with the Medal of Freedom in 2011, President Barack Obama released a
statement on his friend's passing, calling her "one the brightest lights of our time – a brilliant writer, a fierce friend, and a truly phenomenal woman."
[Photo via @quyee]