World-renowned poet and author Dr. Maya Angelou passed away Wednesday morning, May 28. The 86-year-old inspirational novelist was found dead in her Winston-Salem, N.C. home. Her publicist, Helen Brann, confirmed the news to several media outlets.

"She'd been very frail and had heart problems, but she was going strong, finishing a new book," Brann told ABC News. "I spoke to her yesterday. She was fine, as she always was. Her spirit was indomitable."

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines also confirmed the news saying that Angelou was found by her caretaker, Fox8.com reports. The poet recently canceled a scheduled appearance to be held in her honor due to health complications.

On Facebook, Angelou apologized for having to miss the event.

"An unexpected medical emergency caused me the greatest disappointment in having to cancel my visit to the Major League Baseball Civil Rights Game ceremony. I am so proud to be selected as its honoree. However, my doctors told me it would be unadvisable for me to travel at that time. My thanks to Robin Roberts for speaking up for me and thank you for all your prayers. I am each day better."

Angelou was scheduled to receive the "Beacon of Life Award" at the 2014 MLB Beacon Award Luncheon on May 30 in Houston, Texas. Following the news of Angelou's death, Wake Forest University issued a statement telling students and faculty that a campus memorial service for the "Still I Rise" poet would be announced at a later date.

"Maya Angelou has been a towering figure - at Wake Forest and in American culture. She had a profound influence in civil rights and racial reconciliation," said President Nathan Hatch. "We will miss profoundly her lyrical voice and always keen insights."

Angelou's legacy is twofold. She leaves behind a body of important artistic work that influenced several generations. But the 86-year-old was praised by those who knew her as a good person, a woman who pushed for justice and education and equality. Her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" was an international bestseller and nominated for a National Book Award in 1970. On Wednesday, people of all ages and backgrounds took to social media to say what her life's work meant to them.

"All of the writers of my generation must honor the ground broken by Dr. Maya Angelou," author Tayari Jones posted on her Facebook page Wednesday. "She told a story that wasn't allowed to be told. Now, people tell all sorts of things in memoir, but when she told the truth, she challenged a taboo -- not for shock value, but to heal us all."