Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy Dies

    BOSTON (AP) - Sen. Edward Kennedy has died after a long battle with a brain tumor. He was 77.
    The youngest of the Kennedy brothers, he became perhaps the most powerful liberal voice in the U.S. Senate of his time.
    Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008 after suffering a seizure at his Massachusetts home. He underwent an aggressive and delicate surgery in early June at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina. Doctors removed as much of the tumor as possible and he underwent a grueling regimen of radiation and chemotherapy. Family members say Kennedy will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
    Kennedy was heir to America’s most potent and glamorous political family of the 20th century. His endorsement, along with the backing of other family members, gave Barack Obama’s Democratic presidential candidacy a major boost in the midst of the 2008 primary season.

    WASHINGTON (AP) - A Democratic source familiar with the planning says Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is to lie in repose at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston before his funeral at a city church. Kennedy will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery near his slain brothers, another official knowledgeable about the arrangements told The Associated Press.

    The Democratic source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the planning, said Wednesday details are still being determined by the Kennedy family.
    The funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica - known as the Mission Church - in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston. Kennedy prayed there daily while his daughter, Kara, successfully battled her own cancer.

Statement from President Obama:

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. 

I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague.  I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency.  And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I’ve profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

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.

And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.

Our hearts and prayers go out to them today—to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Click on the video link for more on this story from Samantha Hayes.