Tracee Ellis Ross, TI, & More Stars Mourn the Death of Civil Rights Icon and Longtime Congressman John Lewis

Celebrities are mourning the death of civil rights icon and Congressman John Lewis who passed away last week.

Congressman John Lewis has died at 80 years old and celebrities have paid tribute to the civil rights icon, including Speaker of the U.S House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi.

Lewis had announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer but continued to work while he received treatment.

The Congressional Black Caucus released a statement paying tribute to Lewis who was their longest-serving member stating that he was a "fighter for justice until the end."

Singer Gladys Knight also took to social media to remember Lewis, writing that he had always been an inspiration to her. She added,

" He showed me the strength and courage to carry on always even when times were difficult and change needed to come. He was a true American hero and I am so grateful for his presence over all these years in my life."

Other celebrities that paid tribute to the former Congressman included Tracee Ellis Ross, rapper TI, and former basketball star Shaquille O'Neal.

Actor and Comedian Martin Lawrence also honored Lewis as well as Steve Harvey who took to Instagram, sending his condolences to Lewis' family and writing that it was a loss to their community.

They remembered him as the "conscience" of Congress.

His family has also released a statement remembering Lewis who helped organize the 1963 march in Washington.

They remembered him as the "conscience" of Congress, as well as his work as an activist for the Black community. They said:

"He dedicated his entire life to non-violent activism and was an outspoken advocate in the struggle for equal justice in America. He will be deeply missed."

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called Lewis a "titan of the civil rights movement" and remembered him for his faith and bravery. While battling cancer last month, Lewis had shared that he was "clear-eyed" about what it meant, adding that he had good days and bad.

Former President Barack Obama

a touching photo of himself embracing the late icon, writing that Lewis had been able to see his own legacy play out.

During an interview, Lewis had said that Martin Luther King Jr.'s activism had inspired him and at 25-years-old helped lead a march on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, protesting for voting rights.