Maya Angelou Dies: Beyoncé, Robin Roberts and More Celebs Pay Tribute to Poet, Author and Activist

Stars mourn loss of 86-year-old on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Maya Angelou's lifelong contributions to the world as a poet, author, civil rights activist, teacher (and beyond) will never be forgotten.

As news broke Wednesday that the 86-year-old icon had passed away, celebrities took to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts to pay their respects to the woman who famously once said, "People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Here's what some of them had to say.

Beyoncé: "Rest in peace phenomenal woman."

Solange Knowles: "Your words will forever remain deep within the skin, and in the souls of many."

Bette Midler: "The beautiful Maya Angelou died this morning.  A big and radiant soul, at rest at last."

Ellen DeGeneres:  "Today the world lost one of it's greatest gifts. I'm sending love to the friends and family of Maya Angelou."

Robin Roberts: "Saddened by the passing of Dr. Maya Angelou. Grateful for all she taught us with her words & spirit. Will never forget how she made me feel."

Sean "Diddy" Combs: "RIp Maya Angelou God Bless"

Khloé Kardashian: "RIP Maya Angelou"

Kris Jenner: "The world has lost a truly remarkable activist, educator and an inspiration to all. Rest In Peace #MayaAngelou"

Katie Couric: "I am deeply saddened by the death of the beautiful Maya Angelou. My 2004 interview: on.today.com/1nAYHUh"

Cyndi Lauper: "Maya Angelou has passed away. She was a great light in the world. I feel honored to live in a world she influenced and touched so deeply."

Russell Simmons: "RIP to one of the greatest women this world has ever known.  Thank you Maya Angelou for all of the gifts and knowledge you gave us..."

Mary J. Blige: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." - Maya Angelou.

Toni Morrison: "RIP Maya Angelou, who died today at the age of 86."

Eva Longoria: "The world lost an incredible woman today who inspired me and millions of others. #RIP Maya Angelou"

Ireland Baldwin: "You may shoot me with your words, 
You may cut me with your eyes, 
You may kill me with your hatefulness, 
But still, like air, I'll rise."

J.K. Rowling: "If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." Maya Angelou - who was utterly amazing."

Olivia Wilde: "RIP Maya Angelou, a badass woman who saw the impossible as merely a dare"