Groundbreaking actress, Cicely Tyson, breathes her last at 96

Iconic actress Cicely Tyson has left her loved ones at the age of 96.

As confirmed by Tyson's manager, Larry Thompson, the actress passed away on Thursday.

Known for breaking barriers against racism, the Sounder actress always aimed for equality with her commendable performances.

“I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing. 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,” says Tyson's manager, Larry Thompson.

The devastating news has come right after the actresses' first memoir, Just As I Am, released on Tuesday.

In 2016, Tyson was also awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Obama. The deceased marked the moments as one of the best in her life.

"In her long and extraordinary career, Cicely Tyson has not only exceeded as an actor, she has shaped the course of history," Obama said that day