U.S. President Barack Obama said Wednesday that the United States has lost a great leader with the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

"Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy," Obama said in a statement, issued as he vacationed in the East Coast resort of Martha's Vineyard near Boston.

"For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts," said the statement.

Obama called Kennedy "a great leader" and also "the greatest United States Senator of our time."


U.S. 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/Reuters, File Photo)
He also thanked Kennedy for his support in last year's presidential race. Kennedy's endorsement in the 2008 Democratic primary was seen as a huge boost to Obama's campaign.

Obama added that as president he benefited from Kennedy's "encouragement and wisdom," even as the senator battled brain cancer.

Kennedy passed away just before midnight on Aug. 25, 2009 at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. He was 77.

Source:Xinhua