The world has lost a wonderful writer. Renowned historical fiction author E. L. Doctorow died at 84-years-old after suffering complications from lung cancer. E. L., most famously known for his award-winning novel Ragtime, died in a Manhattan, New York hospital on July 21.

E. L.’s son, Richard Doctorow, confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the critically acclaimed author passed away at the hospital after suffering from lung cancer. It’s so sad that E. L. is gone, but his legacy will without a doubt live on.

Shortly after news of E. L.’s death, President Obama, 53, took to Twitter to express that the award-winning author would surely be missed. “E.L. Doctorow was one of America’s greatest novelists. His books taught me much, and he will be missed,” Obama wrote.