KENTUCKY — Sen. C.B. Embry, R-Morgantown, died Thursday night. He was 81-years-old. 

Sen. Whitney Westerfield tweeted the news Friday morning, calling Embry a "dedicated servant of his people to the very end."

Embry formally resigned from the sixth district last week, capping two decades in the state legislature, Senate President Robert Stivers announced Monday. He said Embry cited his cancer diagnosis.

“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the good of the people of District 6,” Embry said in his resignation letter. “During my time in the Senate, I can truly say that I and my colleagues worked each day to make Kentucky an even greater state."

Stivers called Embry "a true gentleman and the consummate public servant" in a statement after his passing. 

"A dedicated family man, successful business owner, and inspirational man of faith, C.B.’s values served as a bedrock in the state Senate and his contributions to our Commonwealth stand out on their own," Stivers said. "He was a passionate advocate for public education and veterans issues, and raised the bar on everything he touched. The Commonwealth is a better place because of C.B. Embry. We will forever hold you in our hearts, and offer our thoughts and prayers to Wanda and your entire family."  

Embry was elected 12 times to five different public offices. 

“Elaine and I are heartbroken to learn of the loss of my good friend C.B. Embry," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell wrote in a statement. "For more than fifty years, until just this week, he dutifully served the people of Kentucky as Mayor, County Judge-Executive, State Representative, and State Senator. I join with the chorus of Kentuckians he touched throughout his long career in mourning his loss."

Digital Producer Bryce Schreve contributed to this article.