From a local ABC news station in North Carolina.
CHAPEL HILL (WTVD) -- Elizabeth Edwards has passed away after a long battle with cancer. The 61-year-old wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards died at home Tuesday afternoon with her family around her.
I'm in total shock. I didn't realize it was this bad. I'll add more details as they become available.
Another local news outlet is also reporting.
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, WRAL News has learned. 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.
I think this song is appropriate...
Update 1
Courtesy of Adam B in the comments...
Back in June 2008, a storm prevented her from traveling to NYC for the Personal Democracy Forum conference, where she was to speak about the impact of the internet on politics. So she Skyped in instead.
Update 2
Tweet from Marc Ambinder:
Edwards family asking for donations to be made to Wade Edwards Learning Lab http://www.wade.org/
Update 3
The New York Times has just posted an obituary. These two paragraphs speak to why many of us are taking her death to heart.
Political consultants said American voters yearned for authenticity and character in a candidate, and thought Mr. Edwards had a singular opportunity. But his aides worried, with some justification, that Mrs. Edwards on a podium was too compelling for his good. At a luncheon in Cleveland, some comments from the audience sounded like paeans to her.
“I came to feel the inspiration you exude,” said a woman bald from months of chemotherapy and radiation. Another cancer patient called Mrs. Edwards “my angel, my idol, my everything.”
Update 4
The family has released a statement:
"Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence, but she remains the heart of this family," her 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."
Update 5
VetGrl reminds us of one of the moments that really endeared Elizabeth to us...