Gov. Beshear asks McConnell to provide health update amid growing public concern

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear publicly asked U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell on Wednesday to provide Kentuckians with an update on his health, saying growing public concern and continued speculation warrant more transparency.

In a letter sent Wednesday to McConnell's office, Beshear said Kentuckians have become increasingly concerned about the longtime senator's health in recent weeks and asked him to share an update on his current condition.

"Over the last several weeks, Kentuckians have grown increasingly concerned about the health and well-being of Sen. McConnell," Beshear said in a written statement. "As Governor – and a fellow public official who understands the commitment we've made to the people we serve – I am requesting the Senator provide an update on his current health status."

Beshear said allowing speculation to continue "is not fair to the Senator or to Kentuckians" and expressed hope that McConnell would address the public directly.

"I wish him a safe and speedy recovery," Beshear said.

The governor's request follows reports that McConnell was admitted to a hospital June 14. Since then, Beshear said limited information has been released by the senator's office about his condition.

According to the governor's office, the administration has received an increasing number of inquiries from Kentuckians asking about McConnell's health. Beshear said he chose to reach out directly to the senator rather than add to ongoing speculation.

McConnell's office hasn't publicly responded to Beshear's request.

McConnell was reportedly found "unconscious" at his home in Washington the day of his hospitalization, according reporting from FOX News. The outlet reported audio from the 911 call on June 14 indicated the senator was "unconscious" when emergency crews were dispatched. The dispatcher also requested an Advanced Life Support (ALS) response.

McConnell's spokesperson didn't comment on the audio last week, but confirmed the senator is still hospitalized and "working closely with his staff on legislative matters."