SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS ON
THE PASSING OF KET’S
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO SHAE HOPKINS
FRANKFORT, Ky (Oct. 30, 2026) — The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, on the passing of KET’s Executive Director and CEO Shae Hopkins today.
“Shae Hopkins was fortunate to be born into a family with deep Kentucky roots and a longstanding tradition of service to this commonwealth. Her father, former Congressman Larry Hopkins, devoted his life to serving Kentucky and our nation. Shae carried that same sense of purpose, commitment and love for her home state throughout her more than four decades with KET.
“Shae was an award-winning leader who led with grace and humility and a quiet determination. She was a tireless advocate for educational television and understood what KET means to people across Kentucky. Whether in a small town, across an eastern Kentucky holler or in one of our larger cities, she believed every Kentuckian deserved access to programming that educates, informs and enriches lives. Under her competent leadership, KET grew its programming, expanded its infrastructure and continually raised the bar on quality. Her many industry awards are a lasting part of her legacy.
“Shae will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the entire KET community.”
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Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. Stivers has served as Kentucky Senate president for over a decade. He first assumed the position in 2013, succeeding former Senate President David Williams. As the Senate President, he is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. Stivers is also a member of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of President Stivers, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate125.jpg/