US Senator Edward Kennedy of the Democratic Party has died of brain cancer, the CNN reported Wednesday. He was 77.

"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," his family said in a brief statement.

US Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) reacts after President Barack Obama signed H.R. 1388, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, at the SEED Public Charter School in Washington, April 21, 2009. [Xinhua]

"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," it said.

Edward Kennedy, also known as "Teddy," was the brother of former US President John Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963. He was the last of the Kennedy brothers.

"Teddy" died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, the statement said.

His death came just weeks after that of his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver on Aug. 11.

Kennedy was first elected to the Senate in 1962, when his brother John was president. He served eight terms in the Senate, which was the longest but two senators.

His own bids to reach the White House was frustrated by a car accident which left a young woman dead in 1969 and a loss to Jimmy Carter in a primary campaign in 1980.

During his long history of public service, he became known as "The Lion of the Senate." More than 300 bills that Kennedy wrote have been enacted into law.

Kennedy was highly praised for his dedication as he worked to protect civil rights, gave federal help to the poor, contained the spread of nuclear weapons, raised the minimum wage, expanded health coverage and improved America's schools.

"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," the family added.

Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008 and underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy during the treatment. He had survived longer than doctors expected.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2009)?