Legendary author Maya Angelou dies at age 86

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- -- Maya Angelou, a renowned poet, novelist and actress, has died at age 86, her literary agent, Helen Brann, said Wednesday.

She died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Brann said.

Also a professor, singer and dancer, Angelou's work spans several professions. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded her with the Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor.

One of Angelou's most revered books was "I Know Why the Caged Sings."

Writer Julian Mayfield is said to have described the autobiography as "a work of art which eludes description."

Angelou spent her early years studying dance and drama in San Francisco but dropped out at age 14, instead becoming the city's first African-American female cable car conductor.

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