Elaine Welteroth shared a beautiful tribute on Instagram that reads: "Larger than life. Living legend. Icon. These are terms tossed around lightly these days. But they befit so few. For my generation, and let's hope generations to come, @andreltalley epitomizes all of these and much more. His passing leaves a gaping hole one can never fill, so we hold this space for all the flowers he deserved while he was here.
While there is much to say about all he endured along his journey and the complicated story he leaves behind, let us lay him to rest draped in the dignity he is due for paving a path that made space for people like me and many others.
Though the world will remember his contributions to the industry from his proverbial throne at @voguemagazine, it was his lesser-known early days at @ebonymagazine where he got his start that inspired me to follow in his footsteps by beginning my career there, too, working among our own. Whenever I questioned my path in those early days, I looked to his history and his presence to give me a sense of pride and permission to pursue my purpose in an industry so few of us were given space to succeed in.
As we salute you today in our own ways, I pray your soul rests in perfect peace knowing your life mattered and your legacy lives on. 🕊 #RIP #AndreLeonTalley".
