Sen. Ted Kennedy has died at his home in Hyannis Port after a long battle with brain tumor. He was 77. According to CNN, his family announced his death in a statement that was released early Wednesday morning.
"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all."
No immediate word on funeral arrangements has been stated.
President Obama and first lady Michelle were "heartbroken" when they heard about Kennedy's passing while on vacation in Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
"An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time," Obama said.
After suffering a seizure in May 2008, doctors diagnosed Kennedy with a cancerous brain tumor- a malignant glioma located in his left parietal lobe. Kennedy later underwent surgery and radiation and chemotherapy.
Kennedy is survived by his second wife, Victoria Ann Reggie Kennedy; children Curran and Caroline Raclin; his first wife, Joan Bennett; and children Patrick, Kara and Edward Jr.
"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all."
No immediate word on funeral arrangements has been stated.
President Obama and first lady Michelle were "heartbroken" when they heard about Kennedy's passing while on vacation in Martha's Vineyard, Mass.
"An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time," Obama said.
After suffering a seizure in May 2008, doctors diagnosed Kennedy with a cancerous brain tumor- a malignant glioma located in his left parietal lobe. Kennedy later underwent surgery and radiation and chemotherapy.
Kennedy is survived by his second wife, Victoria Ann Reggie Kennedy; children Curran and Caroline Raclin; his first wife, Joan Bennett; and children Patrick, Kara and Edward Jr.
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