Former Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins, the first and only woman to serve as governor of the Commonwealth, died peacefully at age 88 in Lexington on November 1, 2025.
A Trailblazing Leader
Born in Shelby County in 1936, Collins served as Kentucky’s 56th governor from 1983 to 1987, after previously holding the office of lieutenant governor. Her election broke gender barriers and set a new precedent for women in state leadership. Martha Layne Collins’ tenure was marked by her instrumental role in bringing Toyota Motor Manufacturing to Kentucky, cementing the state’s economic future and transforming Georgetown into a center for automotive jobs.
Legacy in Education and Economic Growth
Martha Layne Collins was equally dedicated to expanding educational opportunities. Her administration passed a comprehensive reform that raised teacher salaries, reduced class sizes, improved school facilities, and directed new funds to the state’s poorest districts, leaving a lasting impact on Kentucky classrooms. She maintained national influence, at one point being considered for the vice presidency in 1984, and continued her advocacy through higher education roles after her term.
Remembered and Honored
Governor Andy Beshear and other Kentucky leaders honored Collins for her lasting contributions and trailblazing spirit. “She created a foundation for us to build a strong future upon, and her legacy will continue to benefit Kentucky families for generations,” Beshear wrote. Collins is remembered as a force for economic development and educational progress, whose impact reaches well beyond her years in office.