(Undated) -- Former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has died after a battle with lung cancer. He was 85. The winningest coach in major college football is being remembered by several state leaders.

-Governor Tom Corbett today issued the following statement upon learning of the death of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno:

"Susan and I were saddened to learn of Joe Paterno's passing. His legacy as the winningest coach in major college football and his generosity to Penn State as an institution and to his players, stand as monuments to his life. As both man and coach, Joe Paterno confronted adversities, both past and present, with grace and forbearance.

"His place in our state's history is secure."

-U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) released the following statement:

"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Paterno. His long career at Penn State is unrivaled and his accomplishments as the winningest coach in major college football will certainly not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

-U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement this morning:

"I want to send my condolences to Joe Paterno’s family and the Penn State community," Sen. Toomey said. "Joe dedicated his life to college athletics and higher education. His enormous role in building Penn State into the institution it has become will never be forgotten."

-U.S. Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-Pa.) sent the following:

"Today we lost a true champion, a great coach and mentor, and a gentleman who's commitment to education and college athletics has been unparalleled,” said Rep. Thompson.  “Coach Paterno's legendary status will live on in the hearts and minds of all football fans, Penn State Alumni, and especially the residents of Happy Valley. My wife and I want to express our deepest condolences to the entire Paterno family. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers."

-State Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre) released this statement:

"This is a sad day and a tremendous loss for our community, our Commonwealth and the entire Penn State family. 

There is no way to adequately express the impact Coach Paterno has had on all our lives.

Coach Paterno selflessly invested his life in our community and the lives of young people. 

However, even though we may have lost a great man, we must not lose the Paterno way – to have success with honor by building up individuals, communities and institutions.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Paterno family at this difficult time.

Click here to view comments Senator Corman made last week on the Senate floor about Coach Joe Paterno's legacy."

Radio SmartTalk will have a special, two-hour broadcast Monday focusing on the life of Joe Paterno.  Hear it at 9 a.m. on witf 89.5 and 93.3.