Award-winning actress Cicely Tyson died today at age 96.

Her death was announced by her family, via her manager, Larry Thompson.

“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” Thompson, said in a statement. “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.”

“With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy.”

Tyson’s memoir, “Just As I Am,” was published just this week.

Best known for her ground-breaking double Emmy Award-winning performance as Jane in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” Miss Tyson was also nominated for an Academy Award for Sounder. 

She then received her third Emmy Award for “The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All” and was also nominated for her performances in “Roots,” “King,” “Sweet Justice,” “The Marva Collins Story” and “A Lesson Before Dying”.