Washington, Aug 26 (DPA) US Senator Edward Kennedy, who became the political standard bearer of his legendary family after brothers John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy were assassinated, has died at age 77 after a battle with brain cancer.

Kennedy died late Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. A family statement called him the 'irreplaceable centre' of the Kennedy clan and the 'joyous light in our lives'.

His death prompted condolences from world leaders and fellow US senators, who worked with Kennedy on countless pieces of legislation during his nearly five decades in the chamber.

'An important chapter in our history has come to an end,' read a statement from US President Barack Obama, whose bid for the Democratic Party's nomination last year got a big boost from Kennedy's endorsement.

Kennedy was the third longest serving US senator in history, starting his career there in 1962. But he died before his life-long push for major health care reform was realized.

His absence from the increasingly contentious debate was felt by fellow Democrats as well as Republicans, with whom he had a long track record of compromise.

'This is the cause of my life,' Kennedy wrote in July in Newsweek magazine.

Kennedy's absence at two key events in recent weeks - the funeral of his sister, Eunice, the founder of Special Olympics, and the presentation of the nation's highest civilian award, the Medal of Freedom, at Obama's White House - gave rise to increasing concern about his health.

Kennedy was first diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2008 after suffering a seizure. He made only occasional public appearances since, speaking at the Democratic Party nominating convention later that year and attending Obama's inauguration in January.

Obama joined the chorus of tributes for Kennedy's legislative accomplishments, noting that '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'.

Obama is vacationing this week on Martha's Vineyard, an island off the Massachusetts coast near Hyannis Port.