Harper Lee, the author of one of the most beloved novels of all time, To Kill A Mockingbird, has passed away at the age of 89. Harper Lee died in her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama.
Since the news of Harper Lee’s passing broke this morning, Twitter has exploded with words of sorrow but also thankfulness regarding the iconic author.
John Green, the author of The Fault In Our Stars
When my son Henry was born, Ms. Lee signed a copy of Looking for Alaska for him with the inscription, “Welcome to the world Henry Atticus.”
— John Green (@johngreen) February 19, 2016
That book is my most prized possession. Ms. Lee lived a private life, but she was quietly and extraordinarily generous.
— John Green (@johngreen) February 19, 2016
Stephen King
Let’s celebrate the life of Harper Lee, who wrote an American classic and helped her friend Truman Capote write another.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) February 19, 2016
Katie Couric
So sorry to hear about Harper Lee’s passing. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ was a gift to us all. https://t.co/oqDU2lOcLMpic.twitter.com/TSFPLSwPgs
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) February 19, 2016
Oprah Winfrey
Harper Lee my 1st favorite author! I always wanted to interview her. She said” honey I already said everything I had to say”. #RIPHarperLee
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) February 19, 2016
Reese Witherspoon
She revealed it all…the glory and the fear and the hate and the beauty.
May she rest in peace. #HarperLee pic.twitter.com/3tfSEfSejx— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) February 19, 2016
Erin Brockovich
You know what… #TKAMB is a book that changed my life. Maybe i should write one. Harper Lee inspired me & hopefully I can pay it forward
— erin brockovich (@ErinBrockovich) February 19, 2016
Sophia Bush
RIP Harper Lee. Thank you, thank you, thank you. #HarperLee #ToKillAMockingbird???? https://t.co/v7GDqKdL7W
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) February 19, 2016
Josh Gad
To Kill A Mockingbird was the first book I remember reading over start to finish. It propelled me toward my love for lit. #HarperLee = icon
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) February 19, 2016
Variety has also published statements from some of the actors from the film version of To Kill A Mockingbird, including one from Robert Duvall, who made his big-screen debut in the film as Boo Radley.
“Harper Lee was a fine person and a wonderful writer. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ was a masterpiece. I was privileged to be in the film version adapted to the screen by her good friend Horton Foote. I only hope that the film did justice to the book. She will be fondly remembered by many.”
Mary Badham, who famously played the role of Scout and at the time was the youngest ever to be nominated for an Academy Award, also released a statement on Friday.
“I think that we have all benefited from her work and her fight for social justice. I’m very sad at her loss. She will be very fondly remembered.”
She will indeed be fondly remembered and the love and respect for Harper Lee is sure to keep coming.
[Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images]