Kentucky is saying goodbye to one of its most influential leaders.
Martha Layne Collins, the state’s first and only female governor, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 in her sleep at Richmond Place Retirement Community in Lexington.
Her husband, Dr. Bill Collins, shared that she was surrounded by hospice staff and caregivers at the time. “She lived a remarkable life,” he said, reflecting on a legacy that shaped the state for decades.
Tributes Pour In From State Leaders
Current Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his sorrow on social media, calling Collins a “powerhouse.”
He highlighted her role in transforming the state, particularly through securing Toyota’s first U.S. manufacturing plant in Kentucky, a move that has had lasting economic impact.
Beshear described Collins as a “proud Kentuckian” whose accomplishments will benefit families across the state for generations.
Attorney General Russell Coleman also paid tribute, noting her trailblazing role in politics.
“As a dad of two daughters, I applaud Governor Collins’ service to Kentucky and breaking through the glass ceiling,” he wrote, sending condolences to her family.
Breaking Barriers in Politics
Collins made history in 1983 by defeating Republican Jim Bunning to become Kentucky’s 56th governor, serving until 1987.
She had previously been lieutenant governor under John Y. Brown from 1979 to 1983.
Notably, she was only the third woman in the U.S. to be elected to a gubernatorial office at the time.
She was even considered as a potential running mate for Walter Mondale in 1984 before he chose Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro.
In reflecting on her career, Collins once said she had to convince voters not just of her ideas and experience, but that a woman could lead the state.
“I opened a door that will never, ever be closed again,” she noted.
From Teacher to Governor
Born in Bagdad, just outside Frankfort, Collins graduated from the University of Kentucky and began her career as a schoolteacher.
Her political journey started in 1971 working on Wendell Ford’s gubernatorial campaign, followed by Walter “Dee” Huddleston’s U.S. Senate campaign the next year.
The Toyota Deal That Changed Kentucky
One of Collins’ most enduring legacies is her role in bringing Toyota to Kentucky.
The plant in Georgetown, which broke ground in 1986, remains the largest Toyota facility in the world, employing around 10,000 people.
Collins’ efforts didn’t stop at the state line; she personally showcased Kentucky to Toyota executives, hosting dinners and even fireworks to impress them.
“So many people come up to tell me that plant changed their lives,” she said, praising Toyota’s contributions to arts, healthcare, education, and sports.
Former Kentucky Governor Paul Patton also credited Collins with this achievement, emphasizing her determination and strategic approach in persuading the automotive giant to invest in the state.
A Lasting Legacy
Collins’ groundbreaking work opened doors for women in politics and set a standard for economic development initiatives in Kentucky.
Her vision and leadership left an indelible mark on the state, from creating jobs to inspiring future generations of women leaders.
Kentucky bids farewell to a pioneer whose impact will be remembered long beyond her years.