Senator Ted Kennedy dead at 77: Twitter trending topic

The Kennedy brothers

Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, the patriarch of the first family of Democratic politics, died Wednesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77.

Senator Kennedy's death immediately became the top two trending topics on Twitter before most news reports made it onto the Internet. Hashtags #Senator Kennedy and #Massachusetts were immediately active with condolences to the Kennedy family.

"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," a family statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice."

Kennedy is survived by his second wife, Victoria Ann Reggie Kennedy, whom he married in 1992; his first wife, Joan Bennett; and five children -- Patrick, Kara and Edward Jr. from his first marriage, and Curran and Caroline Raclin from his second.

Rest in peace, Senator Kennedy.

Senator Edward Kennedy wrote preface in Union Oyster House Cookbook