Elizabeth Edwards cut John out of her will

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President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama

"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."

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U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. America has lost a passionate advocate for building a more humane and just society, for reforming our health care system, and for finding a cure for cancer once and for all. But the Edwards family and her legion of friends have lost so much more — a loving mother, constant guardian, and wise counselor. Our thoughts are with the Edwards family at this time, and with all those people across the country who met Elizabeth over the years and found an instant friend — someone who shared their experiences and offered empathy, understanding and hope. She made her mark on America, and she will not be forgotten.”

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Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

"This is very sad news, and the fact that it isn't a surprise makes it no easier to hear. Elizabeth Edwards was an incredibly loving, giving, and devoted mother, and Teresa and our entire family are grateful for the time we shared getting to know her in 2004. We have many wonderful memories of those days traveling the country and seeing firsthand Elizabeth's great affection for Cate, Jack, and Emma Claire. Today all those moments are rushing back.

"The same day our campaign ended at Faneuil Hall, we saw Elizabeth head off to Mass General to confront this terrible disease. America came to know her in a different and even more personal way, as she fought back with enormous grace and dignity. She became an inspiration to so many. Teresa and I, along with our family, send our prayers and deepest sympathies to Elizabeth's family and the children she loved so much."

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

"She has stood as a pillar of strength and passion on issues central to our nation's purpose and future: an end to poverty and homelessness; justice for workers and equality for women; and affordable health care for all Americans.

"For the past six years, she has waged her battle against a terrible disease the same way she fought in the public square — with energy, with tenacity, with dignity, and without fear."

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California first lady Maria Shriver

"Elizabeth was a mighty warrior, and I've long admired her courage, her compassion and her personal quest for truth. She was a public servant, a dedicated mother, a tireless advocate and a loyal friend. She showed up to speak at The Women's Conference every time I asked, and our audience was always moved by the open and honest way she would share the struggles she faced along her journey. I hope her children know their mother was an inspiration to women everywhere — a truly great woman."

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Political Strategist Joe Trippi

"She was out to live every single day. She was going to live every single one of them with all the energy and grit that she could. That's a big lesson that her life could teach all of us."

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Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"Elizabeth Edwards devoted her life to fighting for those who needed an advocate, and her presence will be sorely missed. She inspired millions with her grace and optimism in the face of personal tragedies, using her own experiences to offer comfort and insight to others."