Oprah remembers Maya Angelou: 'She was there for me always, guiding me through some of the most important years of my life.'

Oprah Winfrey is sharing some precious memories, and thoughts on her beloved "mentor, and mother/sister and friend," Maya Angelou who passed away Wednesday morning.

The TV host wrote, "I've been blessed to have Maya Angelou as my mentor, mother/sister, and friend since my 20's. She was there for me always, guiding me through some of the most important years of my life. The world knows her as a poet but at the heart of her, she was a teacher. 'When you learn, teach. When you get, give' is one of my best lessons from her."

The Poet, and Winfrey had a close relationship, which Oprah reflected on in her Instagram post.

Oprah continued, "She won three Grammys, spoke six languages and was the second poet in history to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration. But what stands out to me most about Maya Angelou is not what she has done or written or spoken, it's how she lived her life. She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence and a fierce grace. I loved her and I know she loved me. I will profoundly miss her. She will always be the rainbow in my clouds," posting a photo of the two women.

Angelou's family confirmed the death of the "Phenomenal Women" on her Facebook page, "Dr. Maya Angelou passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m. EST. Her family is extremely grateful that her ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity or comprehension. She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love."

President Obama also spoke about Angelou calling her, "one of the brightest lights of our time" ... in a statement released Wednesday. He added, "Michelle and I will always cherish the time we were privileged to spend with Maya."

Dr. Maya Angelou was 86. She died at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

RIP