National Medal of Arts Ceremony

Then-president Bill Clinton congratulated Angelou after presenting her with the National Medal of Arts during a ceremony on Dec. 20, 2000, at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The award is presented to individuals for their contributions to the arts in America.

82nd Birthday Party

Director Lee Daniels attended Angelou's 82nd birthday party at the poet's home in Winston-Salem, N.C., on May 20, 2010.

82nd Birthday Party

Musician Common also attended Angelou's party at her home.

82nd Birthday Party

Naomi Judd chatted with an emotional Angelou at her 82nd birthday party.

Norman Mailer Center Gala

Angelou chatted with Tony Bennett at the Norman Mailer Center's fifth annual Benefit Gala on Oct. 17, 2013, in New York.

'Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular'

Angelou, left, shared a laugh with Alicia Keys and Oprah Winfrey during a star-studded double-taping of Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, in Chicago. The special marked the end of the The Oprah Winfrey Show's 25-year run. Angelou was a longtime mentor to Winfrey.

BET Honors

First lady Michelle Obama embraced Angelou, an honoree at the BET Honors 2012, which were held Jan. 14, 2012, at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC.

Hillary Clinton Campaign Stop

Angelou enjoyed a moment as then-U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke during a campaign stop at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., on April 18, 2008.

Portrait Unveiling

Cicely Tyson, left, and Oprah Winfrey, right, attended Angelou's portrait unveiling at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery on April 5, 2014, in Washington, D.C.