Former Kentucky governor Julian Carroll dies at 92

FRANKFORT, Ky (WTVQ)- Former Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll has died, according to a statement from the family.

The family says Carroll passed away early Sunday morning at Frankfort Regional Medical Center.

Carroll began his journey in the United States Air Force and was a graduate of the U.K. Law School in 1956.

Caroll served five terms in the state House of Representatives and was elected lieutenant governor- eventually succeeding Governor Wendell Ford in 1974. In 1975, Carroll won a full term as governor by a record margin of victory, serving until 1979.

The family released a statement, saying quote:

“We are deeply saddened at the passing of our father, Julian Morton Carroll, who dedicated almost two-thirds of his life to being a committed public servant to this great Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Although we knew we were sharing our father with the people of this state for all the right reasons, there were times we missed him very much. 

As a family, it is with the heaviest of hearts that we grieve the loss of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His steadfast faith and positive outlook on life, his untenable and constant love for his family, and his giving heart and warm embrace will forever be missed. Something about his gentle blue eyes and big smile will leave an everlasting imprint on our hearts. We will love and miss him always.”

Following his service as governor, he received several honorary degrees, and the Purchase Parkway was renamed the Julian M. Carroll Parkway.

Carroll concluded his public service in the Kentucky Senate, where he served from 2004 to 2020.

Carroll was 92 years old.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.