The loss of an icon.

Senator Ted Kennedy passed away in his home in Hyannis Port, Mass. on Aug. 25, 2009 at age 77 after a year long battle with a malignant brain tumor.

Senator Kennedy was a member of the Democratic party and Senator from Massachusetts from 1969 until his death. He was adored by many and respected by all, including many members of the Republican party. The admoration for Kennedy was no stronger than in his own home. In a statement from his family on his website, the family states, "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."

Kennedy was continuously fighting for equality for all. He was continuously turned to for statements for the media and as a voice of reason in the political world. He kept on fighting for what he believed in up until his death. Although the tumor kept him from being able to attend sessions at the U.S. Senate, he was very excited about the health care reform taking place and would have attended the senate in a hospital bed to vote if he had to. Several Democrats are hoping that Kennedy's death will help increase the urgency for the passing of the health care reform. Some hope that the health care reform will be passed out of respect for Kennedy.

Beyond all of the politcal hype that surrounds Kennedy's death, it is very clear that Kennedy was an admired and respected senator. Foxnews.com received a comment about the senator from President Obama. "Obama said for 50 years Ted Kennedy has been 'making a difference for that soldier fighting for freedom, that refugee looking for a way home, that senior searching for dignity, that worker striving for opportunity, that student aspiring to college, that family reaching for the American Dream. The life of Senator Edward M. Kennedy has made a difference for us all.'" Rest in peace, Teddy.