http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32491712/ns/politics-capitol_hill

BREAKING NEWS

NBC News and news services

updated 1:58 a.m. ET Aug. 26, 2009

HYANNIS PORT, Massachusetts - Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the liberal lion of the Senate, has died after battling a brain tumor. He was 77.

Kennedy's family announced his death in a brief statement released early Wednesday.

For nearly a half-century in the Senate, Kennedy was a dominant voice on health care, civil rights, war and peace, and more. To the American public, though, he was best known as the last surviving brother of a storied political family.

Kennedy was elected to the Senate in 1962, when his brother John was president, and served longer than all but two senators in history.

Over the decades, Kennedy put his imprint on every major piece of social legislation to clear the Congress.

His family's statement said:

"Edward M. Kennedy - the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply - died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port.

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.

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, fairness and opportunity for all.

He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him."

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

NBC News, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

He will be greatly missed. He was one of Obama's first allies from the Senate and not only that, had such a rich history serving his country. A reliable liberal. We need more people like him.

RIP.

Does the Kennedy dynasty die with him?

He will be greatly missed. He was one of Obama's first allies from the Senate and not only that, had such a rich history serving his country. A reliable liberal. We need more people like him.

RIP.

Does the Kennedy dynasty die with him?

Yes he will be missed.

The Kennedy's were as close to a Royal family that America could have, and I do think that the dynasty has ended with his death.

Edited August 26, 200916 yr by SnCCorinthos4ever

I agree. I think the Kennedy dynasty dies with Teddy. My neice said it clearly when she said that no remaining family member has the pull of those brothers especially since John Jr died.

Ted Kennedy did much for this country. I will be forever greatful to him.

Ted Kennedy made a difference. He carried the torch very well. I think maybe the Kennedy political dynasty is at an end. I hope what it stood for isn't.

I've seen quite a bit of photos of him and his brothers since his passing. It's still very sad to think that he was the only son to die an old man. Regardless, he did do alot for this country and I agree with y'all that the Kennedy's political dynasty is probably gone with him.

Perhaps if JFK Jr. was still with us, things would be different.

Slide Show of the Funeral Procession: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2009/08/27/GA2009082703389.html

I saw the line of people outside waiting for the cars to go past there were tons of people waiting.

Slide Show of the Funeral Procession: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2009/08/27/GA2009082703389.html

I saw the line of people outside waiting for the cars to go past there were tons of people waiting.

Are you in Washington, jcar?

Are you in Washington, jcar?

No, Illinois. Sorry, after I typed that I thought I should reword it to say saw on TV.

Now there is only one of the nine siblings left...a sister Jean Kennedy Smith.

Also, Ted Kennedy's son Patrick is currently a U.S. Senator from Rhode Island.