Senator Edward M. Kennedy - dead at 77 of brain cancer.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, fondly referred to as Ted or Teddy, has died.

He had been suffering from brain tumor, for over a year having been diagnosed with brain cancer in May of 2008.

The senator, though ailing, continued to lobby on behalf of President Obama and - as late as this month - was trying to change a state law preventing a sitting governor from appointing a successor.

Ironically, it was the senator himself who originally called for the law during the presidential election of 2004. Had John Kerry won, it would have stopped then Republican Governor Mitt Romney from choosing a replacement for Kerry.

Known as the Liberal Lion, the senator fought on behalf of health care reform and received the Presidentlai Medal of Freedom earlier this month - the highest civilian honor.

His image was tarnished and forever damaged the chances for his own presidential bid after his car plunged into the Chappaquiddick River in 1969 killing his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. Kennedy waited hours before reporting the incident.

The senator had strong ties to Hollywood. His niece Maria Shriver is married to Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He had served in the senate since 1962 and was youngest brother of President John Fitzgerald  Kennedy and Senator Robert Francis Kennedy.

Kennedy died in his home in Hyannis Port, Mass, Tuesday – he was 77 years old.

Update Statement from the Kennedy family:  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…