(CNN) -- Caroline Kennedy, who was widely considered the front-runner for an appointment to replace Hillary Clinton as U.S. senator from New York, will remove herself from consideration for that post, according to three Democratic sources. Democratic sources said Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn her name from consideration for the Senate seat. Sources told CNN that, as of about 8 p.m. Wednesday, she had not yet informed New York Gov. David Paterson of her decision. And as the evening wore on, confusion still surrounded the situation -- sources telling CNN they were unsure of exactly where the decision stood. The 51-year-old daughter of President John F. Kennedy indicated her interest in filling the seat after Clinton was nominated to be U.S. secretary of state.
@highlight
Caroline Kennedy had spoken publicly about her desire for Clinton's Senate seat
@highlight
Gov. David Paterson is charged with appointing replacement until special election
@highlight
Kennedy is the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy
Sen. @placeholder, 76, was diagnosed with brain cancer last May.