Former Kentucky state Sen. Dennis Parrett dies at 66

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky lawmakers are mourning the death of former state Sen. Dennis Parrett, who died June 7 at age 66.

Parrett, a Democrat, represented Hardin County and the 10th Senate District in the Kentucky Senate from 2011 to 2023.

Throughout his time in office, Parrett advocated for veterans and military families, helping expand support for veteran-owned businesses and nonprofits. He was also an advocate for financial literacy education, and wanted to make sure Kentucky students were equipped with real-world skills.

Most notably, Parrett worked with Sen. Danny Carroll to create the Sunny Page Program, which gives children with disabilities an opportunity to take part in the legislative process.

"Senator Parrett served through major chapters in Kentucky’s history, including changes in state leadership, shifts in the General Assembly, natural disasters, and a global pandemic," said the Kentucky Senate Democrats in a joint statement. "Through it all, he remained grounded in the people he represented and committed to being a strong, thoughtful, and faithful voice for his district."

Parrett was also a farmer and longtime agricultural leader, which the Kentucky Senate Democrats said helped him "understand the importance of rural Kentucky, workforce development, and economic opportunity."

The Kentucky Senate Republicans also shared their condolences in a joint statement.

"Dennis never allowed differences to be bigger than relationships," the statement said. "He believed respect should not depend on agreement. Those qualities earned him the admiration of colleagues on all sides of the chamber and the lasting friendship of many who had the privilege of serving alongside him."

Funeral arrangements for the former senator were not yet announced.