FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) – A pioneering woman from Kentucky and the commonwealth’s 56th governor died on November 1, according to an announcement from Gov. Beshear.
“Governor Collins was a powerhouse who transformed our community through major accomplishments, such as introducing Toyota to its first U.S. location in our state.” Beshear wrote“She created a foundation upon which we can build a strong future, and her legacy will continue to benefit Kentucky families for generations. She was a proud Kentuckian and we will miss her greatly.”
Born in the Shelby County community of Bagdad, Collins was a teacher, county clerk, businesswoman and secretary of the Kentucky Democratic Party before being elected lieutenant governor in 1979 under John Y. Brown Junior and defeating Jim Bunning for governor in 1983. USA Today called her a “true pioneer.”
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote that the former governor was known for breaking barriers, a message the Kentucky Republican Party reiterated in an announcement on social media.
“As one of the first women in our nation’s history to be elected governor herself, her leadership expanded what was possible for future generations,” Senate Republican leaders wrote.
Former Gov. (*88*) Beshear, who served as Collins’ lieutenant governor during her time as head of the commonwealth, told FOX 56 News that he and his wife Jane were saddened to hear of her death.
“I had the privilege of serving as lieutenant governor when she broke the glass ceiling and became Kentucky’s first female governor, and I saw firsthand her transformative efforts on economic development, education and equine tourism,” he said. “With Toyota, the Horse Park and ongoing education reform, Kentuckians continue to benefit from her leadership. Our thoughts are with Bill and her children.”
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Republican Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said that as a father of two daughters, he applauded their “service to Kentucky and breaking through the glass ceiling to show that there are no limitations in our commonwealth.”
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton called Collins a champion of education on social media and asked for prayers for her husband, Dr. Bill Collins, and her family.
Former Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes wrote on social media Saturday that she would miss the former governor beyond measure.
“Her mere presence showed little girls and women of all ages that their voices matter in politics,” Grimes wrote. “May you rest in peace, Governor, and know that your work lives on in each of us.”
Funeral arrangements for Collins have yet to be announced.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
