A statement from the Kennedy family tonight as we mark the passing of the last of the Kennedy brothers the sons of Rose and Joseph Kennedy and the most powerful Democratic family in the United States.
Edward Kennedy Dead at 77 Years of Age
“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,” a 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.”
Ted Kennedy was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy
and the brother of Robert Kennedy who were both killed by assassins in their political lives the last brother to die at the hands of a gun was Robert in 1968 on the eve of the California primary in his bid for the Presidency. Ted chose to be a Senator and fought for health care as one of his center most goal in his life.
At the 2008 Democratic convention Kennedy struggled to speak on behalf of Barack Obama and endorsed him with honor and praise. Kennedy’s support was a big boost for Barack Obama and deepened the rift between Hillary Clinton backers and Obama supporters in the Democratic Party.
Kennedy was not without his own ghosts when in 1969 he left a party on a Chappaquiddick Bridge near Martha’s Vineyard where he drove his car into the channel which killed his passenger Mary Jo Kopechne who drowned. The police investigation did not ruin his reputation and he championed health care as his cause.
Kennedy is survived by his second wife Victoria Ann Reggie Kennedy, his first wife Joan Bennett and his five children: Patrick, Kara, Edward Jr., Curran and Caroline Raclin.
TAGS: Edward Kennedy dies, Kennedy dead at 77, Ted Kennedy loses battle to cancer.
