MPAA’s Dodd honors Elizabeth Taylor

Former Democratic Sen. and Motion Picture Association of America CEO Chris Dodd released a statement Wednesday morning honoring actress Elizabeth Taylor, who died Wednesday after being hospitalized with congestive heart failure.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Elizabeth Taylor. Her artistic contribution to the motion picture industry is immeasurable,” Dodd said, referencing Taylor’s career that spanned more than 70 years and 50 films.

“She truly was an American icon, whose legacy went far beyond her acting skills, most notably in her efforts to lead the battle against HIV/AIDS. Our thoughts are with her family and her many friends and fans during this difficult time,” the former senator from Connecticut said.

{mosads}The two-time Academy Award-winner also spent time as congressional spouse after marrying Secretary of the Navy John Warner in 1976 and helping him get elected to the Senate two years later. Warner (R-Va.) retired in 2009 and was succeeded by Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), no relation.