Grammy-winning singer Beyoncé views late human rights icon Nelson Mandela as much more than a legend. Queen Bey has penned an open letter explaining just how much respect she has for him.

In a new Sowetan article, Bey didn’t hold back on describing Nelson’s greatness.

“I first met you in 2004 for the 46664 AIDS Benefit Concert in Cape Town, and the impact you have had on my life resonates with me today and every day. Your kindness and gratitude for every experience, and your ability to forgive are lessons I have learned and will pass on to my three children. My entire family holds you in high regard.

It is an honor for me to travel to South Africa this week in celebration of you and your efforts to right so many wrongs. You were a strategic warrior, a bold activist, and charismatic and well-loved leader. Your vision for dignity, for human rights, for peace and a South Africa free of racism and apartheid, allows us all to turn dreams into reality. (Sowetan)

Bey also said Mandela’s accomplishments will be celebrated for generations to come.

“You made it possible for so many people like me to reject impossibilities and understand our capabilities in making lasting change in the world. The smallest efforts could change the trajectory for so many living in extreme poverty, facing injustices, the indecency of racism and fighting for their rights as humans.

As we celebrate the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, honoring your centennial year, I promise you that we have made your dreams our own.

Your work and your sacrifices were not in vain. I will cherish every moment shared in your presence and use the lessons learned from you as fuel to stir positive ideas and solutions.” (Sowetan)

This weekend, Bey and a slew of celebs including her husband JAY-Z are slated to celebrate Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100.

The Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 celebrates the former South African president one hundred years after his birth. In addition to Beyoncé (alongside husband JAY-Z) Black Coffee, Cassper Nyovest, D’banj, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Femi Kuti, Kasey Musgraves, Pharrell Williams & Chris Martin, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, Usher, and Wizkid will be headlining. (Billboard)

Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 is set to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa on Dec. 2 and will air on MSNBC from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. ET.

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