:Politicians around the world have been paying tribute to one of America's most respected statesmen. Senator Edward Kennedy has died, aged 77, after a long battle with cancer.
- Senator Kennedy, who was affectionately known as "Teddy", became the head of one of the most famous dynasties in the world after his older brothers - JFK and Bobby Kennedy - were assassinated.
- Paying tribute, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he would be "mourned not just in America but in every continent".
- After following his brothers into politics, Kennedy eventually became the most senior representative of Massachusetts.
- He backed Barack Obama to win the 2008 election and was working closely with the President to help him push through his liberal healthcare reforms.
- President Obama has said he was heartbroken when he heard of Kennedy's death, adding: "Over the past several years, I've had the honor to call Teddy a colleague, a counsellor, and a friend. And even though we have known this day was coming for some time now, we awaited it with no small amount of dread."
- Senator Kennedy was diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2008 and had to leave President Obama's inauguration lunch in January after suffering a seizure.
- His death follows that of his older sister - Eunice Kennedy Shriver - who passed away a fortnight ago.
- American media is reporting Senator Kennedy will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, where his brothers are buried.
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