MANILA - Former First Lady Imelda Marcos mourned the death of Senator Edward Kennedy, whom she described to be “a great friend”.

“He was a great friend, as I said, not only an American great friend to the Philippines, but a friend to the world. He was a great man,” said Marcos.

Kennedy, 77, passed away August 25 after battling brain cancer.

Mrs. Marcos recalled that Sen. Kennedy was concerned about her family when he found out that they were in exile in Hawaii.

“I do remember very well, and I'm really deeply touched because he was really very sensitive to what was going on in the Philippines. And when he discovered, and he knew that we were in exile in Hawaii, I think he was very concerned,” Mrs. Marcos said.

The late President Ferdinand Marcos was ousted in 1986 and fled with his family to Hawaii.

Mrs. Marcos said Kennedy had sent them audit reports on some US funds given to the Philippines.

“We got this from Senator Kennedy--and this is the United States Accounting Office briefing report to Senator Edward Kennedy--and he sent us this. And Marcos was truly overwhelmed that this was really a gesture of a great friend not only of the Philippines but also of the Marcoses and sent this he said, this will help you bring out the truth,” Mrs. Marcos said.

Kennedy also sent mutual friends when Mrs. Marcos was on trial.

“He gave me so much courage and hope that the American system will work and he was truly a great American and a great friend who was there especially in my trial when I was alone facing the mighty sword of justice of the most powerful country in the world. I was also praying for him,” she said.

Agence France Presse reported that world leaders also admired Kennedy. Children’s education, healthcare and the Anti-Apartheid Act in 1985 and commitment to peace and justice were among his many contributions to the US and the world.