Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), one of the Senate’s most prominent figures and member of the legendary political family, passed away late Tuesday evening at 77 at his Hyannis Port, Massachusetts residence.
“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,” a statement released by the Kennedy family said. “He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.”
Kennedy, who was elected in 1962, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May of last year. Following the diagnosis, the Senator rose to be a powerful symbol for health care reform.
“For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts,” a statement from President Barack Obama read. “An important chapter in our history has come to an end.”
Kennedy was brother to former President John F. Kennedy and New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated in the 1960’s. His sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, died earlier this month.
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“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,” a statement released by the Kennedy family said. “He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.”
Kennedy, who was elected in 1962, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May of last year. Following the diagnosis, the Senator rose to be a powerful symbol for health care reform.
“For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts,” a statement from President Barack Obama read. “An important chapter in our history has come to an end.”
Kennedy was brother to former President John F. Kennedy and New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated in the 1960’s. His sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, died earlier this month.