Harper Lee, full name Nelle Harper Lee, acclaimed author of To Kill a Mockingbird as well as the recently released sequel Go Set a Watchman, passed away in her sleep on Friday morning at the age of 89. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prizes for fiction in 1961 for TKAM.
Her family confirmed her death in a statement from Hank Conner, Lee’s nephew. “This is a sad day for our family. America and the world knew Harper Lee as one of the last century’s most beloved authors.”
“We knew her as Nelle Harper Lee, a loving member of our family, a devoted friend to the many good people who touched her life, and a generous soul in our community and our state. We will miss her dearly.”
Conner’s statement indicated that “Ms. Lee passed away in her sleep early this morning. Her passing was unexpected. She remained in good basic health until her passing.”
Services for Lee have yet to be announced, but Conner said the funeral will be private, as per her personal request.