Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of former North Carolina senator and presidential candidate John Edwards, died Tuesday after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 61.
Edwards, an attorney, author and health care advocate, died Tuesday morning in her Chapel Hill home surrounded by family.
"Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence but she remains the heart of this family. We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life," her family said in a statement.
"On behalf of Elizabeth we want to express our gratitude to the thousands of kindred spirits who moved and inspired her along the way. Your support and prayers touched our entire family."
Edwards was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. In 2007 she announced the disease had spread to her ribs and hips, saying it was incurable but treatable.
On Monday, Edwards released a statement saying she had stopped treatment after doctors told her additional treatment would be "unproductive."
Her last book, "Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities," went on sale in June.
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She will be missed. May she rest in peace and my thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
I wonder how long it will be before John moves his "mistress" into Elizabeths home?
Rest in peace Elizabeth, God Bless the children.
I'm sure her children thank you for your eloquent concern with the families personal business. What a zero.
Only took Newt Gingrich about a month...
God Speed Elizabeth....
She crusaded for universal health care........ Lets pray to God that the new health care system will help all of us..... if not God Help Us All
This is surprising. Sad, but at least her suffering was not dragged out any longer. A strong and beautiful lady who endured much.
Rest in peace.
Boo John Edwards
so very sad. may she rest forever in peace.
God rest her soul. I pray for her children. As far as John Edwards goes, there are no words for that piece of garbage.
How sad, God bless her family and friends in this most difficult time.
May God carry her in heaven and may her soul rest in peace.
My condolences to her family, may she rest in peace
How sad. I feel the most of all for her small children!
Classy lady may she rest in peace....
May she rest in peace. The woman handled politics, infidelity, cancer and death with poise and dignity.
Amen! Yes she did! Rest in peace Elizabeth!