Lenny Kravitz has praised his godmother, Cicely Tyson, as a “true pioneer” following her death this week.
Lenny Kravitz's Instagram (c) post
The 'Sounder' star passed away on Thursday afternoon (28.01.21) at the age of 96, and on Saturday (30.01.21), her godson and musician Lenny took to Instagram to share a moving tribute to the acting icon.
Alongside a series of pictures of himself with Cicely, Lenny wrote: “With inimitable style and grace, my dear Godmother Miss Cicely Tyson made her grand exit to the heavens. She lived a remarkable life up to the last moment. A true pioneer, who bared her heart and soul so we could witness the spirit of the characters she so brilliantly portrayed, which continue to move and inspire generations. (sic)”
The ’Are You Gonna Go My Way’ hitmaker also praised Cicely for showing him “unconditional support”, and said he had spoken to her for “hours” just a few days before her passing.
He continued: “A Black queen who showed us how beautiful black is. The love between us was and is tremendous. As long as I have had consciousness, I’ve known Godmother. She and my mother were kindred spirits. Sisters. And after my mother passed, Godmother's role in my life was amplified. I constantly felt her spirit over me. She always gave me unconditional support. She came to my shows, came over for holidays, met me for dinners, stayed with me in Paris when I first moved there, and never let me too far out of her sight.
“Our phone calls went on sometimes for hours. We spoke just a few nights ago and talked about everything. She had just sent me her book that has been sitting on my nightstand where it will remain. She did it all, wrote the book, and then God called her. I can hear Godmother saying “ok, now y’all can read about it, I’m going home". Rest peacefully, Godmother. You did it all exquisitely #CicelyTyson (sic)”
Cicely’s death was confirmed by her family this week.
They said in a statement: "With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy."
And the manager of the ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ star, Larry Thompson, later added: "I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing.
"Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life. Today she placed the last ornament, a Star, on top of the tree."
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