KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine -- STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GEORGE H. W. BUSH ON THE DEATH OF SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY

Following is a statement by former President Bush 41 on the death of Senator Kennedy.

Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn Ted Kennedy lost his valiant battle with cancer. While we didn’t see eye-to-eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service — so much so, in fact, that I invited him to my library in 2003 to receive the Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. Ted Kennedy was a seminal figure in the United States Senate — a leader who answered the call to duty for some 47 years, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter in that body’s history.

Barbara and I -- and all Bushes -- send our heartfelt condolences to Victoria, Ted’s kids, and the entire Kennedy family.