Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird and the recently released sequel Go Set a Watchman has reportedly died at the age of 89.
According to multiple reports, her death has been confirmed by various sources, including the mayor’s office in her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama.
Lee was born in that very town in 1926 and apparently died there as well. Few details surrounding her death have been made public as of this writing, but her passing will no doubt have a tremendous impact around the world and especially the U.S., where To Kill a Mockingbird is a staple of literary education.
RIP to the one of the greatest literary minds out there. You're a legend and will never be forgotten Harper Lee… All bookworms love you ❤❤
— Justin won a Grammy (@MyNinjaRauhl) February 19, 2016
We are deeply saddened @TheMediaTheatre to hear of Harper Lee's passing We have been blessed with her story of To Kill A Mockingbird
— The Media Theatre (@TheMediaTheatre) February 19, 2016
Exceedingly proud to carry her name with me. #harperlee
— Harper Zielonko (@hzielonko) February 19, 2016
Seems like 2016 is the year we're going to lose all the greats. RIP Harper Lee.
— Fated Snowfox (@fatedfox) February 19, 2016
That last tweet expresses a sentiment already expressed by many even prior to Lee’s death. 2016 has already seen a number of very influential celebrities pass.
Lee’s Go Set a Watchman won the Fiction category in the 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards.