MIAMI (AP) -- The father of Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio has died after a long illness. He was 83.

Rubio's campaign announced Saturday night that Mario Rubio died
at Baptist Hospital in Miami after suffering from emphysema and
lung cancer.

The campaign announcement said Mario Rubio was accompanied by
his wife of 61 years, his four children and other relatives.

The candidate was forced Friday to cancel a debate with Democrat
Kendrick Meek because of his father's declining condition.

Rubio says his father "was especially determined to provide his
children opportunities he himself never had."

Meek extended his condolences, saying "political differences
takes a back seat to the priority at hand - caring for a mother and
spending time with family."

Independent candidate Charlie Crist also issued a statement to express his condolences.