Tributes have begun to pour in for Toni Morrison, American novelist, who passed away on Monday night at the age of 88.
Alfred A. Knopf, the author’s publisher, who confirmed her death, said she passed away at New York’s Montefiore Medical Center where she was receiving medical attention.
In a statement issued by her family through Knopf, it was revealed that the award-winning novelist and professor died after having suffered a brief illness.
“Toni Morrison passed away peacefully last night surrounded by family and friends,” the family announced.
“She was an extremely devoted mother, grandmother, and aunt who reveled in being with her family and friends. The consummate writer who treasured the written word, whether her own, her students or others, she read voraciously and was most at home when writing.”
Morrison is a multiple award-winning author who wrote a total of 11 novels over the course of her career alongside five children’s book, two works of fiction, nine non-fiction books, a song cycle, an opera, among other literary works of hers.
Her novel ‘Beloved’, which was eventually adapted into a movie, won her the Pulitzer Prize and the American Book Award in 1988 after portraying the stark realities of the average black American citizen.
She was also awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993 while the National Endowment for the Humanities selected her for the Jefferson Lecture, the U.S. federal government’s highest honor for achievement in the humanities, in 1996.
This was followed by her receipt of the 1996 National Book Foundation’s Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters even as she wrote her first book ‘The Bluest Eye’ just before clocking 40.
Morrison was born on February 18, 2019, in the rust-belt town of Lorain, Ohio as the second of four children. She was survived by two children.
Following the news of her death, fans and celebrities alike have taken to social media platforms to share loving messages dedicated to the late author.
Here is what they had to say:
RIP to the legendary, Toni Morrison 🖤 pic.twitter.com/ToGs7WqEeJ
— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) August 6, 2019
Toni Morrison was a towering intellect, a brilliant scribe of our nation’s complex stories, a heartbreaking journalist of our deepest desires, and a groundbreaking author who destroyed precepts, walls and those who dared underestimate her capacity. Rest well and in peace. pic.twitter.com/nMkxXRtEoz
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) August 6, 2019
I had to grow into Toni’s work like growing into a suit meant for me, when it was time. When I was ready. But the suit had always been meant for me. Had always been waiting for me.
Advertisement— Jason Reynolds (@JasonReynolds83) August 6, 2019
Aw man Toni Morrison taught me the word Rememory. RIP to a incredibly powerful and impactful woman.
— The Big Day out now (@chancetherapper) August 6, 2019
Her words were like mirrors to our collective souls. Like pillows to cushion the blows. Like mothers to wrap us in love. Like friends to hold our hands and see us through the darkness. #RipToniMorrison ❤ you. May we lift her up in the light of goodness and hold her there.
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 6, 2019
In the passing of Toni Morrison, we lost one of our greatest voices & storytellers. Holding close those touched by her being & her gift. Her work gave us power, hope & freedom. While our world shines a little less bright today, we know "something that is loved is never lost."
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 6, 2019
Today we remember Toni Morrison, a brave activist, feminist writer, and inspiring figure in literature whose works will transcend the test of time. Thank you for the legacy. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/I8bxuy3fbz
— UN Women (@UN_Women) August 6, 2019
Today, the world lost a storyteller of unmatched empathy, elegance and power. Toni Morrison’s belief that language is the “measure of our lives” leaves an extraordinary, inspiring inheritance, and her beautiful writing will continue to be a blessing for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/cc3st7x2lM
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 6, 2019
Toni Morrison is an eternal inspiring and elevating force.
Unabashedly Black, woman, brilliant, beautiful, and strong. Though she has many descendants (living and to come), there will never be another. pic.twitter.com/OlkRBnU4Up
— Raquel Willis (@RaquelWillis_) August 6, 2019
"You wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down." — Toni Morrison
A lesson for each of us. A lesson for our country. She may be gone, but her writing, her resolve, and her grace will live on forever.
— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 6, 2019
Toni Morrison greets all visitors as they enter The New York Times Book Review. An inspiration.
Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/g3Rm4kq649
— Pamela Paul (@PamelaPaulNYT) August 6, 2019
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