Ted Kennedy Dies of Brain Cancer at Age 77

 
Aug. 26, 2009

Sen. Ted Kennedy died shortly before midnight Tuesday at his home in Hyannisport, Mass., at age 77.

In this file photo, U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) waves to the crowd during day one of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Kennedy was rushed to the hospital after having convulsions during Barack Obama’s inaugural luncheon. (Photo credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The man known as the “liberal lion of the Senate” had fought a more than year-long battle with brain cancer, and according to his son had lived longer with the disease than his doctors expected him to.

“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,” the Kennedy family said in a statement. “He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it.”

Sen. Edward Moore Kennedy, the youngest Kennedy brother who was left to head the family’s political dynasty after his brothers President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated.

Kennedy championed health care reform, working wages and equal rights in his storied career. In August, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — by President Obama. …

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Sen. Kennedy’s “The Dream Lives On!” speech

The work begins anew
The hope rises again
And the dream lives on!