Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the liberal lion of the U.S. Senate and bearer of the Camelot torch after two of his brothers fell to assassins' bullets, died late Tuesday after battling brain cancer. He was 77. For nearly half a century in the Senate, Kennedy was a steadfast champion of the working class and the poor, a powerful voice on health care, civil rights, [and gay rights] and war and peace.

CBC reports:
To the American public, though, he was best known as the last surviving son of America's most glamorous political family, the eulogist of a clan shattered again and again by tragedy. READ MORE

Family statement:
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.