Former Kentucky Gov. Julian Carroll dies at 92

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Julian Carroll, Kentucky's 54th governor, has died at the age of 92.

According to a statement from Carroll's family, he passed away just before 5 a.m. Sunday at Frankfort Regional Medical Center.

"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 in our hearts. We will love and miss him always," Carroll's family said.

Born in 1931 in West Paducah, Kentucky, Carroll, a Democrat, spent almost two-thirds of his life in public service, his family said. He served for three years as an Air Force attorney after graduating from the University of Kentucky's Law School in 1956.

In 1962, Carroll was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives where he served five terms, including Speaker of the House from 1968-1970. In 1971, he was elected lieutenant governor to Gov. Wendell Ford, whom he would succeed to serve out the final year of his term before being elected the state's 54th governor in 1975.

A one-term governor, Carroll "increased funding for primary and secondary schools, created the Kentucky Department of Energy, and advocated the use of coal to offset energy crisis," according to the National Governor's Association, where Carroll served as chair in 1978.

Carroll also worked to modernize Kentucky's judicial system, and championed legislation to eliminate the private bond system. Much of his legacy includes his impact on public education, including investments in teacher salaries and eliminating fees for required classes and provided free textbooks. Carroll also established a School Building Authority to help school districts in need build new schools.

He was also known for his impact on the state's park system, including its expansion, and his opposition to damming the Reed River.

Following his term as governor, Carroll received several honorary degrees, his family said, and had the Purchase Parkway renamed the Julian M. Carroll Parkway after him.

Carroll's career in politics continued following his time as governor, serving in the Kentucky Senate from 2004-2020, representing parts of Anderson, Franklin, Gallatin, Owen and Woodford counties.

In 2017, the Kentucky Senate Democratic Caucus called on Carroll to resign amid reports that he propositioned and allegedly groped a man in 2005. The Lincoln County prosecuting attorney declined to press charges.

In January 2021, Carroll joined four other former Kentucky governors to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Former Gov. Julian Carroll dedicated his career to public service. For decades he worked to support public education and those he represented in Frankfort. Please join Britainy and me in praying for his family during this difficult time," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement following the news of Carroll's death.

Speaker of the House David Osborne also issued a statement, offering his condolences to Carroll's family.

"On behalf of the Kentucky House of Representatives, I extend our deepest sympathies to the Carroll family. While Kentucky lost a former Governor, they grieve the loss of a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Governor Carroll's political life spanned more than six decades and included service in the Kentucky House and Senate, as well as terms as Lieutenant Governor and Governor. May his family find comfort in that service, as well as in knowing he is once again reunited with his wife, Charlann and son, Brad," Osborne said.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

This story may be updated.