Obama 'heartbroken'

US President Barack Obama (left) said on Wednesday he was 'heartbroken' over the death of Senator Edward Kennedy, saying the liberal icon's demise closed an epic chapter in US political life. --PHOTO: AP

OAK BLUFFS (Massachusetts) - US PRESIDENT Barack Obama said on Wednesday he was 'heartbroken' over the death of Senator Edward Kennedy, saying the liberal icon's demise closed an epic chapter in US political life.

'Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy,' he said in a statement.

The president was to address the American people at 9.30am (9.30pm Singapore time, 1330 GMT) from the well-heeled east coast resort of Martha's Vineyard where he was spending his vacation, the White House said.

'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,' Mr Obama's statement said.

Kennedy died, aged 77, late Tuesday at home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, not far from Mr Obama's vacation spot, after fighting brain cancer for more than a year. His death cut the last link with the storied dynasty of his assassinated brothers, former president John F. Kennedy and presidential candidate Robert Kennedy.

A White House official said Mr Obama had been notified of Kennedy's death at just after 2am (2pm Singapore time, 0600 GMT), and spoke with Kennedy's widow, Vicki, 25 minutes later.

'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,' Mr Obama said.

Kennedy passed away at the moment when his skills as a Senate dealmaker were most needed as the president struggles to enact an ambitious health care reform plan - an issue for which Kennedy fought for decades.

'I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague,' said Mr Obama, a former senator himself.

'I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the presidency,' he added, noting that Kennedy broke with former allies Hillary and Bill Clinton to make an early endorsement of his run for the White House. -- AFP