
(CNN) - Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, the patriarch of the first family of Democratic politics, died late Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77.
"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 family statement 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."
President Obama learned about Kennedy's death at 2 a.m. Wednesday, according to a senior administration official. Obama later called Kennedy's widow to offer condolences.
In a statement, Obama says: "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."

Breaking news this morning:
Sen. Ted Kennedy has died at the age of 77.
Stay tuned to a special edition of American Morning for full coverage of this developing story. We are speaking to special guests all morning about Kennedy's life and career. We're utilizing the worldwide resources of CNN to bring you the latest information.
Editor's Note: The former AARP member arguing against the Obama administration’s health care proposal garnered the most attention on Tuesday’s American Morning, with the majority angered that only one side of the argument was presented.
As one of the largest senior lobbying group in the United States, do you believe that AARP will play an important role in the acceptance or rejection of President Obama’s proposed health care plan? Should the organization be neutral, or choose a specific stance on this issue?
A serial bank robber has reportedly struck again. It's believed he's hit as many as ten banks in eight states across the South from Louisville, Kentucky to Charleston, South Carolina.
The FBI is releasing photos of the man and using electronic billboards along major highways to warn the public. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
FBI Agent Kevin Keithley in Johnson City, Tennessee spoke to John Roberts on CNN's "American Morning" Tuesday.
Washington Post Correspondent T.R Reid went around the world asking a simple question: "Can you fix my bum shoulder?"
He received a variety of treatments and spoke to doctors, health care experts, government officials and patients to help figure out how other countries provide quality health care at a reasonable cost.
Reid describes his journey in his new book "The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care." He joined Kiran Chetry on CNN's "American Morning" Tuesday.
This week marks four years since Hurricane Katrina took its deadly toll on New Orleans. And in many places around the city the wounds are still fresh.
Today in our special series "After the Storm," our Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports the city's medical system is piecing itself back together. And it's doing it one clinic at a time.

