black people move forward in society. oprah winfrey posted she was numbed and in shock, calling jacqueline avant the classiest, kindest, and most calming presence. quincy jones tweeted, the heaviness of hmy heart today is unlike any other that i have experienced in my life. former president bill clinton called her a wonderful woman and said, she inspired admiration, respect and affection in everyone who knew her. we are heartbroken. she will be deeply missed. their friends tell us her husband, clarence, was in such shock, he was unable to speak. mr. avant is essentially at home speechless. this has shook his core along with the family. reporter: jacqueline avant killed at 81. police say a suspected burglar and felon took the most precious thing of all, life itself. sara sidner, cnn, los angeles. thank you, sara. thank you for watching, everyone. our coverage continues.
avant was a model for ebony fashion fair. she ended updating and marrying clarence avant. i thought who is this guy? reporter: avant became one of the most successful men in the music industry. his life story told in a netflix documentary the black godfather, produced by their daughter nicole who is married to netflix ceo. he became a mentor for us all. reporter: avant broke barriers as an agent and manager. this year he tearfully accepted his place into the rock & roll hall of fame. through it all, jacqueline was right by his side. the two were married for 54 years. their ultimate goal was to help black people move forward in society. oprah winfrey posted she was numbed and in shock, calling jacqueline avant the classiest, kindest and most calming presence. quincy jones tweeted the heaviest of my heart today is unlike any other that i have ever experienced in my life. former president bill clinton called her a wonderful woman and said she inspired a mir ration,