Former US Senator George McGovern, who won the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1972 as a leading opponent of the war in Vietnam and a champion of progressive causes, died early Sunday in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was 90.

McGovern passed away at a hospice.

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The McGovern family issued this statement this morning:

"At approximately 5:15 am CT [6:15 AM ET] this morning, our wonderful father, George McGovern passed away peacefully at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by our family and life-long friends."

"We are blessed to know that our father lived a long, successful and productive life advocating for the hungry, being a progressive voice for millions and fighting for peace."

"He continued giving speeches, writing and advising all the way up to and past his 90th birthday, which he celebrated this summer."

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