Beyoncé Pens Ode to Michelle Obama for Time 100 Profile

Beyoncé, hot off the heels of her own Netflix and live album releases, recently penned a note in honor of former first lady Michelle Obama as one of TIME’s most influential people.

“I’m honored to know such a brilliant black woman who’s spoken about the sacrifice it takes to balance her passions while remaining a supportive partner and mother, and now a best-selling author with Becoming,” Beyonce wrote. “She has continued to open herself up, even if it meant being criticized. She has continued to be a portrait of grace.”

The “Sorry” singer went on to describe the first time she met Mrs. Obama, at former President Obama’s 2009 inauguration, calling her “regal” and “confident.” She also praised the Chicago native’s influence as first lady.

“She would’ve been impactful simply by being in the White House, the first African-American First Lady. But she also used her position of power to improve the world around her. Her initiative Reach Higher, for example, encourages young people to complete their education past high school. She empowers all of us to interrogate our fears and surpass greatness.”

Check out the full profile here.