Maya Angelou dies at age 86

Mike Gallagher

May 28, 2014 - 05:14

May 28, 2014 - 06:40

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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 09: Maya Angelou speaks during the AARP Magazine's 2011 Inspire Awards at Ronald Reagan Building on December 9, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images)

Award-winning author, renowned poet and civil rights activist Dr. Maya Angelou has died at her Winston Salem home, according to ABC News. She was 86.

According to Mayor Allen Joines, Angelou was found by her caretaker on Wednesday moing.

Angelou had been reportedly battling health problems and recently canceled a scheduled appearance of a special event to be held in her honor.

Angelou was set to be honored with the “Beacon of Life Award” at the 2014 MLB Beacon Award Luncheon on May 30 in Houston.

Angelou, one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time, was a celebrated poet, novelist, educator, producer, actress, filmmaker and civil rights activist.

She received over 50 honorary degrees and was Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.

According to the Associated Press, Angelou canceled an appearance at the MLB Beacon Awards scheduled for Friday due to health reasons, which were not specified.