Elizabeth Edwards Dies at Age 61

Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards, died today, December 7, after a 6 year battle with cancer. She was 61.

Edwards died at her North Carolina home surrounded by her three children, siblings, friends and her estranged husband, John. The family released the following statement:

"Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence but, she remains the heart of this family," the family said in a statement. "We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life. 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."

Elizabeth Edwards and her family announced on Monday that doctors had told her that further treatment will do no good and that she had she had weeks, if not days, left to live. Edwards even thanked supporters on her Facebook page.

"The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered," she wrote. "We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful."

Edwards is survived by her estranged husband John, and their three children Catharine, Emma Claire and Jack. She was predeceased by son Wade, who died in a car accident in 1996.