We woke up today to learn of the loss of a great American. Sen. Edward "Ted" Kennedy, known as "the lion of the Senate," has died at the age of 77 after a battle with brain cancer. He died last night at his home in Cape Cod, MA.

"We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the family said in the statement. "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."

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Click below to read our Contributors reflections on Ted Kennedy:

Mary Wells: ‘I Adored Ted’

Liz Smith: Remembering Two Great Lions

Ted Kennedy: Fan of Universal Health Care and Compromise, by Liz Peek

He Wasn’t ‘Just’ Ted Kennedy, by Joan Juliet Buck

Margo Howard: ‘Here’s to You, Teddy’

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President Barack Obama said of the late Democrat, "An important chapter in our history has come to an end … Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States senator of our time."

Lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle reacted with great sadness to today’s news, yet also with admiration for a man known for fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves, whether it be on health care or other issues. From The Boston Globe:

He became a Democratic titan of Washington who fought for the less fortunate, who crafted unlikely deals with conservative Republicans and who ceaselessly sought support for universal health coverage. ‘Teddy,’ as he was known to intimates, constituents and even his fiercest enemies, was an unwavering symbol to the left and the right — the former for his unapologetic embrace of liberalism, and latter for his value as a political target. 

USA Today has a story about how both of Kennedy’s wives, Joan and, later, Vicki, stood by his side throughout his political career.

The senator’s death comes less than two weeks after his sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, died. Two of Ted Kennedy’s brothers, John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, were assassinated, and another brother, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., was killed in 1944 on a World War II bombing mission. His nephew, John F. Kennedy Jr., died ten years ago in a tragic plane crash.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family as they endure this difficult time. The late senator will be immensely missed on Capitol Hill and beyond.