NORTH CAROLINA (NBC News) -- Elizabeth Edwards lost her battle with breast cancer this morning, Tuesday, Dec. 7, around 10:15 a.m. At 61-years-old, she passed quietly in her family home in North Carolina.

Edwards became a national figure in her fight against cancer, as well as a partner in her husband John’s political career. She spent much of her life as a little-known Raleigh lawyer and mother.

That all changed when her husband, John Edwards, entered politics as a U.S. Senator. He then became a two-time presidential candidate and democratic nominee for Vice President.

John’s political career propelled Elizabeth into the world spotlight. She was known as a smart, plain-spoken wife, who was a key adviser to her husband.

Our hearts go out to her family.