Senior Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy Dead at 77

Senior Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy is dead at age 77. He died at his home in Hyannis Port after battling a brain tumor.

His family announced his death early this morning with this brief statement:

“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. 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.”

On vacation in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.,President Obama said he and the first lady were “heartbroken” to hear of Kennedy’s passing.

“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.

Senator Kennedy was first elected into the Senate in 1962 when his brother John was president. He continued to serve almost 50 years.

Earlier this month, Kennedy lost his sister, Eunice Shriver.

With the death of Senator Ted Kennedy, there remains only one living child of  the 9 born to Joseph and Rose Kennedy. Jean Kennedy Smith is 81.

Senator Ted Kennedy is also survived by his wife, Victoria Reggie and 5 children.