"Today America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant, and leader of the Senate. And today I lost a treasured friend. Ted Kennedy was an iconic, larger than life United States senator whose influence cannot be overstated. Many have come before, and many will come after, but Ted Kennedy's name will always be remembered as someone who lived and breathed the United States Senate and the work completed within its chamber"

Orrin Hatch's quote about the late Ted Kennedy is a testament to the impact he had on the United States Senate and the country as a whole. He acknowledges that Kennedy was an "iconic, bigger than life" figure whose impact was immense. He also acknowledges that Kennedy was a "terrific elder statesman" and a "dedicated public servant" who devoted his life to the Senate and the work it accomplished. Hatch also expresses his individual loss of a "valued buddy" and acknowledges that Kennedy's name will constantly be kept in mind. His words are a fitting tribute to the legacy of Ted Kennedy and the effect he had on the United States Senate and the country.