By DPA,
Washington : US Senator Edward Kennedy, who became the political standard bearer of his legendary family after brothers John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy were assassinated, has died at age 77 after a battle with brain cancer.
Kennedy died late Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. A family statement called him the “irreplaceable centre” of the Kennedy clan and the “joyous light in our lives”.
His death prompted condolences from world leaders and fellow US senators, who worked with Kennedy on countless pieces of legislation during his nearly five decades in the chamber.
“An important chapter in our history has come to an end,” read a statement from US President Barack Obama, whose bid for the Democratic Party’s nomination last year got a big boost from Kennedy’s endorsement.
Kennedy was the third longest serving US senator in history, starting his career there in 1962. But he died before his life-long push for major health care reform was realized.
His absence from the increasingly contentious debate was felt by fellow Democrats as well as Republicans, with whom he had a long track record of compromise.
“This is the cause of my life,” Kennedy wrote in July in Newsweek magazine.
Kennedy’s absence at two key events in recent weeks – the funeral of his sister, Eunice, the founder of Special Olympics, and the presentation of the nation’s highest civilian award, the Medal of Freedom, at Obama’s White House – gave rise to increasing concern about his health.
Kennedy was first diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2008 after suffering a seizure. He made only occasional public appearances since, speaking at the Democratic Party nominating convention later that year and attending Obama’s inauguration in January.
Obama joined the chorus of tributes for Kennedy’s legislative accomplishments, noting that “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”.
Obama is vacationing this week on Martha’s Vineyard, an island off the Massachusetts coast near Hyannis Port. But he had not been able to visit him due to Kennedy’s deteriorating condition, broadcast reports said.
Obama called Kennedy the “greatest United States senator of our time”. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown were among foreign leaders who praised Kennedy’s conviction and commitment to peace.
The youngest Kennedy brother, also known as “Teddy”, was known as a liberal lion of the Senate, pushing causes dear to the Democratic Party but also known for working across the political aisle with Republicans.
“While we didn’t see eye-to-eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service,” former president George H.W. Bush said in a statement, calling Kennedy a “seminal figure” in the Senate.
Ted followed his brothers in running for president after John F. Kennedy was gunned down while in office in 1963 and Robert Kennedy was also fatally shot in 1968 while campaigning for the presidency.
Edward Kennedy’s aspirations for the White House, however, were hurt by a 1969 car accident in which he drove off a bridge at Chappaquiddick and his female passenger, Mary Jo Kopeckne, was killed. He ran for president once, in 1980, challenging incumbent
Jimmy Carter and losing in the Democratic Party primaries.
Kennedy then turned his attention back to his illustrious career in the Senate, playing major roles in passing legislation on health care, civil rights and education.
“The Kennedy family and the Senate family have together lost our patriarch,” said Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid.
“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,” the 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.”