Elizabeth Edwards Dies

Elizabeth Edwards died Tuesday, the day after it was reported she had ended her cancer treatment and been informed by doctors that she may only have a few months left to live.

Edwards, 61, had been receiving friends and family members, including her estranged husband, John Edwards, at her home in Chapel Hill, N.C., according to the Associated Press. CNN reported late Tuesday afternoon that she had died.

Previously, the AP had reported, "The Edwards family in a statement said doctors have told them that further treatment for her cancer would be unproductive. A friend, who was among those who gathered with Edwards at her North Carolina home, told The Associated Press that Edwards is gravely ill." Edwards had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, and it had spread to other parts of her body.

Edwards thanked her supporters Monday on Facebook, with a message that talked about living with hope and making daily efforts to have a positive impact.

Earlier this year, Edwards separated from her husband, former senator and Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, over revelations that he engaged in an extramarital affair and fathered a child with a campaign employee.

Elizabeth Edwards announced her support for marriage equality in 2007, distinguishing herself from her husband, who ran on a platform that supported civil unions. As their personal struggles unfolded, she became an increasingly vocal advocate for health care reform.