Kennedy had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2008 [EPA]

Kennedy, who was the second most senior member of the US senate, died at his home in Massachusetts after a battle with brain cancer.

"Edward M Kennedy - the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply - died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port," a statement from his family said on Wednesday.

"We've lost the irreplaceable centre 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."

Kennedy - more widely known at "Ted" or "Teddy" - was diagnosed with brain cancer in May last year.

Senate service

Kennedy also helped draft legislation to overhaul the $2.5 trillion US healthcare system.

He wrote in the Boston Globe newspaper in May: "I've benefited from the best of medicine, but I've also witnessed the frustration and outrage of patients and doctors alike as they face the challenges of a system that shortchanges millions of Americans."

Reynolds said: "He also was instrumental in the long, long fight to reform the American healthcare system, so it is somewhat ironic that, as the debate over healthcare reform grows very heated, Ted Kennedy's voice is silenced."

Obama 'heartbroken'

Barack Obama, the US president, said that he was "heartbroken" by the death of someone he considered a "dear friend".

"And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as president from his encouragement and wisdom.

Harry Reid, the senate Democratic leader, said in a statement that the Kennedy family and the senate "have together lost our patriarch".

"As we mourn his loss, we rededicate ourselves to the causes for which he so dutifully dedicated his life."

Kennedy became known as one of Washington's most effective senators, crafting legislation by working with politicians and presidents of both parties, often finding unlikely allies.

Across the aisle

A 2009 survey by The Hill, a publication following politics on Capitol Hill, found that senate Republicans believed Kennedy was the chamber's easiest Democrat to work with and the most bipartisan.

Barack Obama, left, said that he valued Kennedy's 'wise counsel' [AFP]

"I am a Republican and he was a Democrat, but we were friends," Jack Burkman, a Republican party strategist, said.

"He was one of the few people in the United States senate who could genuinely reach across the aisle and bring Democrats and Republicans together," he said  from Los Angeles.

"There are a lot of people who claim to be able to do this, but there really are only two or three.

"There is a lot about his life I didn't like, there is a lot about his political philosophy I don't like, but America was better because he was.

"I think America needs more Ted Kennedys, people who believe passionately in what they believe in."

The younger brother of JFK and Robert F Kennedy, the assassinated former senator, Edward Kennedy was serving his ninth term as a Democratic senator.

Kennedy was elected to the senate in 1962, while his brother John was still president, and served longer than all but two senators in history.

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