Cicely Tyson: A Hollywood Icon Remembered

Let’s take a moment to remember Cicely Tyson, a towering figure in Hollywood who passed away at the age of 96 on January 28. Tyson’s life was as vibrant as her career, and she experienced love twice over with her husbands Kenneth Franklin and Miles Davis. Her legacy endures not just through her work but also through the memories she leaves behind.

A Love Story Cut Short

Back in 1942, when Tyson was just 18 years old, she walked down the aisle with Kenneth Franklin. The marriage happened on December 27 of that year, a union filled with promise at the start. But life has a way of surprising us, and their connection didn’t last long. According to Tyson’s divorce decree, Franklin left her less than 18 months into the marriage. The union was officially dissolved in 1956, marking the end of what had been a brief but significant chapter in her life.

Love Rekindled with Miles Davis

Fast forward to 1981, and Cicely Tyson found love again—this time with the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. The couple was together for seven years, from 1981 to 1988, building a life filled with music and mutual respect. Though they never had children together, their relationship was a testament to the power of love and companionship. Theirs was a union that resonated deeply with fans who admired both for their artistry and personal connection.

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A Legacy of Grace and Talent

As news of her passing spread, the world paused to honor the incredible career of Cicely Tyson. Her manager, Larry Thompson, expressed his deep admiration for Tyson in a statement to People. “I have managed Miss Tyson’s career for over 40 years, and each year was a privilege and blessing,” Thompson shared. He compared Tyson’s new memoir to a Christmas tree, saying, “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.”

Throughout her illustrious career, Tyson graced screens big and small, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. She starred in iconic films and TV shows such as The Help, How to Get Away with Murder, House of Cards, Madea’s Family Reunion, and Diary of a Mad Black Woman. On Broadway, she shone brightly in The Trip to Bountiful, further cementing her status as a versatile and accomplished performer.

Reflections on a Life Well-Lived

In a candid 2017 interview with Elle, Tyson opened up about her journey in Hollywood. She spoke about the honor she felt in making a living doing what she loved and the overwhelming support she received from fans around the globe. “A legend is somebody who’s lived a long, long time. And an icon is the same thing. [Laughs] People are being very kind and that’s fine, but I’ll tell you, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she said with a sense of gratitude and humility.

Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about her ex-husbands and the loves that shaped her life.