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Senator Edward Kennedy, 77, dies | Senator Edward Kennedy, 77, dies |
(10 minutes later) | |
Veteran US Senator Edward Kennedy, the brother of ex-President John F Kennedy, has died at the age of 77 after battling a brain tumour. | Veteran US Senator Edward Kennedy, the brother of ex-President John F Kennedy, has died at the age of 77 after battling a brain tumour. |
The Democratic Massachusetts senator was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in May last year. | The Democratic Massachusetts senator was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in May last year. |
He became a member of the Senate in 1962 to replace his brother when he resigned to become president, and was re-elected seven times. | He became a member of the Senate in 1962 to replace his brother when he resigned to become president, and was re-elected seven times. |
He has been an active supporter of current President Barack Obama. | He has been an active supporter of current President Barack Obama. |
Correspondents say Senator Kennedy has been a dominant force in liberal American politics for almost half a century, especially on issues like healthcare and education. | Correspondents say Senator Kennedy has been a dominant force in liberal American politics for almost half a century, especially on issues like healthcare and education. |
The Kennedy family announced his death in a brief statement in the early hours of Wednesday. | The Kennedy family announced his death in a brief statement in the early hours of Wednesday. |
"Edward M. Kennedy, the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port (Massachusetts)," the statement said. | |
"We've lost the irreplaceable centre 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." | |
Edward Kennedy was the only one of four brothers to die a natural death. | Edward Kennedy was the only one of four brothers to die a natural death. |
His brother Joseph was killed in an air crash in World War II, and both President John F Kennedy and presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy were assassinated. | His brother Joseph was killed in an air crash in World War II, and both President John F Kennedy and presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy were assassinated. |
His own presidential aspirations were badly damaged when he was given a suspended sentence for leaving the scene of a fatal accident on the Massachusetts island of Chappaquiddick in 1969. |