MOSCOW, August 26 (RIA Novosti) – Sen. Edward Kennedy, the last surviving brother of former President John F Kennedy, died of brain cancer at his home in Massachusetts on Wednesday at the age of 77.
Edward Kennedy was a prominent figure in U.S. politics for almost half a century, serving as a senator since 1962.
After hearing the news of Kennedy's death, U.S. President Barack Obama released a statement saying: "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."
Last year the late senator underwent surgery to remove a tumor, but quickly returned to work in Congress. He served as Democratic chairman of the Senate’s health and education committee until the late stages of his illness.
The Kennedy family said in a 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.”
