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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so sad. i was just reading her comments from yesterday when the cnn alert hit my cell. so fast. so sad.RIP Elizabeth
I can understand how everyone could be tempted to talk about John Edwards and what he put her through at the end of her life, but I think now is not the time.
John being John..I am sure he will give us plenty of chances in the future.
May Elizabeth Rest In Peace.
We will miss you, Elizabeth. You were a source of strength and inspiration to all women who are fighting this horrible, cruel disease. I hope you found peace.
Scripture is clear in the example she set for us all; "for her worth is far above rubies." A very beautiful woman for us not to ever forget.
This is terrible. May you be at peace with my grandma, grandpa and my friends hanna and lynn...they all died of cancer!
May you rest in peace Elizabeth Edwards for now you are with our God.... "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT WANT HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES HE LEADETH ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS HE RESORETH MY SOUL HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE... YEA THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR THOU ART WITH ME THY ROD AND THY STAFF THEY COMFORT ME..
I have no doubt in my mind that the healthcare industry is capitalizing off of cancer. It is big business. I feel sorry for this woman's family and any who have lost loved ones to cancer. I have. Its a terrible illness but it begs the question: Why do we have soooo much of it here with an abundance of foods and treatments to prevent it? The answer? There is NO preventative medicine in this country. They would not make any money if we PREVENT any illnesses.
What a strong woman she was, im sure her broken heart didnt help at all. i cant beleive she had to spend her last days,hours, etc. without a husband by her side, as she could have if he wasnt a low down cheater. john edwards is lower than snake crap. im sure he will live a life of hell, just like she did after she found out of his cheating. i feel so sorry for her family and my family has all of her family in our prayers. john edwards didnt deserve a great lady, like elizibeth. what a sad day. Haitis wont even except him.
this is always hard to loose a family member,.... i wish great health to the family and hope their lives will move on but still be happy they have there good or bad times with elizebeth edwards
We will miss her strenght. Good bye sweet Elizabeth.
My sincere condolences to her family. Having lost a parent myself, there are just no words to express that can ease this pain at all. I will, however, offer my prayers of peace and love to her family. I can only hope that when I pass, I leave even a fraction of the legacy this strong, graceful, beautiful human being has left. May she rest in peace.
R.I.P Elizabeth, your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Please, people... this is not about John – deal with your frustration with him in another forum.
Following Elizabeth through the news and talk shows has made me want to be a better person.
Your children will remember your last words to them for as long as they live. You were so strong and dignified and articulate throughout all the whirlwinds of your life. You are now sailing in the peaceful winds of life after life. Your peace be with your children and all those who loved you...including many people all over the world.
My thoughts and prayers are with Elizabeth's children, family, and friends........My mom lived for 45 days after her diagnosis with Cancer and I cherish every moment I got to spend with her....Cancer is just evil. My heart is so heavy for her children because the pain and loss they are feeling will never truly go away. God speed Elizabeth....