Senator Ted Kennedy Dead from a Brain Tumor at 77

Sen. Edward Kennedy, the famed Massachusetts lawmaker and family member of an American political dynasty, died Wednesday of brain cancer at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass, CNN reported. The senator was 77.

Ted Kennedy, as he was widely known, was the younger brother of slain President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy, who made a bid for the presidency before being gunned down in 1968.

"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 from the family 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."

Nicknamed Massachusetts' "Lion of the State," Kennedy became a highly regarded and effective Senator within the Democratic Party throughout the last several decades.

The senator was involved in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act, according to CNN.

Widely regarded as an outspoken liberal politician who helped guide the Democratic party through conservative decades from the 1980's on, Kennedy also offered strong early support to President Barack Obama during the primaries.  

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The president recently awarded Kennedy, who served in the Senate for more than 40 years, the Medal of Freedom.

In May of 2008 Kennedy suffered a seizure and was diagnosed with a malignant glioma in his parietal lobe.

He is survived by his second wife, Victoria Ann Reggie Kennedy, whom he married in 1992; his first wife, Joan Bennett; and five children -- Patrick, Kara and Edward Jr. from his first marriage, and Curran and Caroline Raclin from his second, according to CNN.