BOSTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, a towering figure in the Democratic Party who took the helm of one of America's most fabled political families after two older brothers were assassinated, died at age 77, his family said.
 
"Edward M. Kennedy, the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port (Massachusetts)," the Kennedy family said in a statement early on Wednesday.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Les Paul, who pioneered the solid-body electric guitar later wielded by a legion of rock 'n' roll greats, died Thursday of complications from pneumonia. He was 94. According to Gibson Guitar, Paul died at White Plains Hospital. His family and friends were by his side.

The world said goodbye to Eunice Kennedy Shriver today. Although she was born into a rich and powerful family, Eunice sent her life as a champion for mentally handicapped people on behalf of her sister, Rose. Eunice was the founder of the Special Olympics and died at the age of 88. Droves of mourners turned out for her funeral today in her home state of Massachusetts. Read the story below.