ELIZABETH EDWARDS: 1949 – 2010

A family friend says Elizabeth Edwards has died of cancer.

The friend says the estranged wife of former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards died in North Carolina this morning following her 6-year long battle with cancer.

The friend spoke to the AP on the condition of anonimity because the family had not announced her death.

Story is developing.

UPDATE: The sad news has been confirmed.

“Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth’s presence but she remains the heart of this family,” the family says 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.”

The family asked that donations be made to the Wade Edwards Foundation which benefits the Wade Edwards Learning Lab. He was the Elizabeth’s teenaged son who died in a car accident.