Dr. Maya Angelou

Congratulations to Poet and author, Dr. Maya Angelou who will be this year’s recipient of the Literarian Award, an honorary National Book Award for contributions to the literary community, The National Book Foundation announced Thursday.

The Literarian Award will be the first major literary prize for Dr. Angelou.

85-year old Angelou, has been in frail health and is expected to make only a brief appearance at the awards dinner and ceremony in November.