GEORGE MCGOVERN DEAD AT AGE 90

The family of George McGovern says they're blessed that the former U.S. senator lived a "long, successful and productive life," and that he refused to slow down even as he reached age 90.

The family released a statement soon after McGovern's Sunday morning death. Many of McGovern's relatives have been by his side since he went into hospice care Monday. His daughter Ann McGovern this week told The Associated Press that being with her father as he neared death was a beautiful and mysterious experience.

The family notes Sunday that McGovern had continued his advocacy work for the hungry. Despite his family's suggestion that he lighten his schedule, he continued to give speeches, write and advise past his 90th birthday, which he celebrated this summer.

Former U.S. senator and Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole says millions of children are able to eat thanks to the work of McGovern. Dole and McGovern joined together to create an international food for education and child nutrition program, for which they shared the 2008 World Food Prize.

In his statement, Dole says 31 million children participate in the school lunch program. He called McGovern a "humble, compassionate and caring man" who looked out for the people who needed a helping hand.

Dole says McGovern's efforts at fighting hunger extended far and wide, and the world "is a better place because of his generous spirit."