IMAGE – Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Tyler Perry referred to Cicely Tyson as “the grandmother he never had “ back in 2021 when she passed away.
This one brought me to my knees! She was the grandmother I never had and the wisdom tree that I could always sit under to fill my cup.”
TYLER WROTE ON INSTAGRAM
My heart breaks in one beat, while celebrating her life in the next,” he wrote, to think that she lived for 96 years and I got to be a part of the last 16 brings me great joy. She called me son. Well, today your son grieves your loss and will miss our long talks, your laughter from your belly, and your very presence.”
TYLER ON INSTAGRAM
Always so regal, always so classy, always a lady, always a queen,” Perry added

Cicely Tyson died in February 2021 aged 96.
57-year-old actor Tyler Perry has said in a recent interview that he “took care” of the veteran actress for the last 15 years of her life. Tyler has also admitted that he offered her a hefty pay deal to appear in his movie ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ because she hadn’t been “well compensated” early in her career.
He told AARP –
I’ve never said this publicly, but I took care of Ms. Tyson for the last 15 years of her life.
TYLER
She was a proud woman, and the only reason I mention this is because she wrote it in her book. This woman had done so many amazing things, but she wasn’t well compensated for it. She made $6,000 for ‘Sounder’, you know? I wanted to make sure she knew that there were people who valued her.
TYLER
So, she did one day of work on my 2007 film ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ I paid her a million dollars. I loved working with her. And it makes me feel great that I was in a position to give this incredible woman some security in her latter years.”
TYLER
He spoke about his charity foundation that he founded in 2006,
Tyler said,
When you’ve been given a lot, you have to do a lot. And the need is great. I’ve tried to align myself with people who have the same sensibility when it comes to helping others”.
TYLER
The producer is known for his philanthropic work and admitted his drive to help others stems from his mother, who always leant a hand to those who needed it.