'Senator Kennedy spent more days than most at Arlington, nation's resting place for its heroes, visiting the graves of his beloved brothers and paying tribute to the fallen men and women of Massachusetts who gave their lives for our country,' said the statement.

Edward Kennedy, also known as 'Teddy', was the brother of former US president John F. Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963. He was the last of his four brothers.

After battling with brain tumor for 15 months, Kennedy died at his home in Hyannis Port in Massachusetts, just weeks after the death of his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver Aug 11.

Kennedy was first elected to the Senate in 1962, when his brother John was president. He served eight terms in the Senate.