FRANKFORT, Ky. — Former Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll passed away early Sunday morning at 92.
The prominent Democrat was Lieutenant Governor, elected separately from the governor at the time, in 1971 before he succeeded Gov. Wendell Ford in 1974 after Ford left the post for the U.S. Senate. Carroll then ran and won a full term as Governor in 1975, serving until 1979.
Julian Carroll served five terms in the Kentucky House of Representatives, representing his home area in western Kentucky. He was first elected to the body in 1962 and served as Speaker of the House from 1968 to 1970. Most recently, the former governor served in the Kentucky state Senate from 2004 to 2020, representing a district covering parts of Frankfort and portions of Anderson, Woodford, and Fayette Counties. Carroll announced shortly after his 88th birthday that he would not run for re-election in 2020.
Outside of politics, Carroll was an attorney who began practicing in his hometown of Paducah after serving in the Air Force.
“Governor Carroll was a passionate public servant who dedicated much of his life to moving the Commonwealth and its people forward,” said Ashli Watts, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber. “We appreciate his commitment and service and offer our prayers and condolences to his family.”
Details of funeral arrangements are expected to be released on Monday.
