In 1993, Morrison became the first African American to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Morrison joined the Princeton faculty in 1989 and was a member of the University’s creative writing program until she transferred to emeritus status in 2006.

“It is with profound sadness we share that, following a short illness, our adored mother and grandmother, Toni Morrison, passed away peacefully last night surrounded by family and friends,” shared the Morrison family in a statement. “She was an extremely devoted mother, grandmother and aunt who reveled in being with her family and friends. The consummate writer who treasured the written word, whether her own, her students or others, she read voraciously and was most at home when writing. Although her passing represents a tremendous loss, we are grateful she had a long, well lived life.”

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