Elizabeth Edwards — the wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards — died Tuesday after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 61. In a heartfelt farewell message on her Facebook, Edwards wrote: “It isn’t possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.” Here are more pictures of Edwards’ life.
John and Elizabeth Edwards on their wedding day in 1977.
Edwards Family/Zuma Press/Newscom
The Edwards in 2003 at a campaign stop in Bedford, New Hampshire.
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The Edwards, left, in Pennsylvania with then-presidential nominee John Kerry.
Archie Carpenter/UPI/Newscom
Elizabeth Edwards in September, 2010.
Newscom/Zuma Press
The Edwards family during happier times at their home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Edwards, Patrick Swazye’s widow Lisa Niemi and Maria Shriver in 2009 at a Women’s Conference in Long Beach, CA.
Kennell Krista/SIPA/Newscom
Edwards testifying before Congress on the cost of medical debt in 2009.
Kevin Dietsch/UPI/Newscom
Edwards making a solo campaign stop for her husband in Bedford, New Hampshire in 2007.
Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos/Newscom
Edwards leaving “The Daily Show” after promoting her book, Resilience in 2009.
Kevin Dietsch/UPI/Newscom
Edwards discussing the U.S. health care system in 2008.
CD1/Newscom
The Edwards family at a 2008 campaign stop in Des Moines, Iowa.
John Sommers II/UPI/Newscom
The then-presidential candidates’ spouses Jeri Thompson, Michelle Obama, Ann Romney, Elizabeth Edwards and Cindy Hensley McCain at the 2007 Women’s Conference in Long Beach, California.
Kevin Dietsch/UPI/Newscom
Edwards testifying before Congress on the challenges and opportunities of cancer in 2008. Joining her were Tour de France-winner Lance Armstrong and former America Online CEO Steve Case.
John Sommers II/UPI/Newscom
Edwards in high spirits after her husband’s campaign speech at a 2007 town hall forum in Concord, New Hampshire.
Chris Fitzgerald/CandidatePhotos/Newscom
John and Elizabeth Edwards at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston.
Nancy Kaszerman/ZUMA Press/Newscom
Edwards at a Borders bookstore in New York City in 2007, signing her book, “Saving Graces.”
Newscom/Zuma Press
Elizabeth Edwards in August, 2007.
Newscom/Marlene Karas/photolink.net