Breaking: Elizabeth Edwards Has Passed Away

Local press in Chapel Hill, North Carolina is reporting that Elizabeth Edwards has passed away. From WRAL‘s Elizabeth Edwards dies:

Chapel Hill, N.C. – Elizabeth Edwards, the political wife whose public battle with breast cancer, coping with marital infidelity and continued advocacy for the downtrodden raised her profile above that of her husband, died Tuesday. She was 61.
Edwards died at her Chapel Hill home, where family and friends had gathered in recent days after doctors informed her that her cancer had spread and recommended that she not undergo further treatment.

CNN confirms the story.

UPDATE FROM PAM: The statements from the White House:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2010
Statement by the President on the Passing of Elizabeth Edwards
Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. This afternoon I spoke to Cate Edwards and John Edwards, and offered our family’s condolences. I came to know and admire Elizabeth over the course of the presidential campaign. She was a tenacious advocate for fixing our health care system and fighting poverty, and our country has benefited from the voice she gave to the cause of building a society that lifts up all those left behind.
In her life, Elizabeth Edwards knew tragedy and pain. Many others would have turned inward; many others in the face of such adversity would have given up. But through all that she endured, Elizabeth revealed a kind of fortitude and grace that will long remain a source of inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
***
THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President
For Immediate Release

December 7, 2010
Vice President Biden Issues Statement on the Passing of Elizabeth Edwards
“Elizabeth Edwards fought a brave battle against a terrible, ravaging disease that takes too many lives every day. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, and to those who felt they knew her. Jill and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Edwards family as they grieve during this difficult and painful time.”

The DNC:

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s Statement On The Passing of Elizabeth Edwards
Washington, DC – Today, Elizabeth Edwards passed away. Following her death, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:
“Elizabeth Edwards’s death at much too young an age will be mourned and she will be fondly remembered in the hearts of women and men from all across our nation. Elizabeth was a woman of firm convictions and strong principles, and she was an inspiration not only to members of the Democratic Party but to countless Americans of all backgrounds.
I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends, and my thoughts go out to all those who will miss her. Elizabeth will not soon be forgotten, and her spirit will live on in all those who loved and admired her.”

Unlike our President (and her husband John Edwards), Elizabeth Edwards endorsed marriage equality. Speaking at the HRC San Francisco Dinner in 2007: