Boston, Massachusetts, May 17, 2008- A spokeswoman for Edward M. Kennedy says the Massachusetts senator is in the hospital for evaluation after becoming ill at his Hyannis home.

There was no immediate word on his condition, although the 76-year-old Kennedy is said to be joking with family members.

A knowledgeable official says Kennedy was hospitalized Saturday after suffering stroke-like symptoms. The official declined to be identified by name, citing the sensitivity of the events.

Kennedy spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter confirms in a statement that Kennedy went to Cape Cod Hospital on Saturday morning "after feeling ill at his home."

She says that after discussion with his doctors in Boston, Kennedy was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for further examination. She says he is under evaluation that information will be released as it becomes available