FRANKFORT, Ky. — The public is invited to pay their respects to former Gov. John Y. Brown Jr., who will lie in state in the Capitol rotunda beginning Tuesday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. ET

What You Need To Know

  •  John Y. Brown Jr. will lie in state at the Capitol beginnning Tuesday, Nov. 29

  •  Kentucky's 55th governor died Monday

  • Brown was 88 years old 

  • Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff in Brown's honor

The Brown family will host a public visitation from 3 p.m until 7 p.m. that same day.

Brown served as Kentucky’s 55th governor from 1979 until 1983. The 88-year-old died Monday.

In a statement, Gov. Andy Beshear said, “Gov. Brown was a remarkable leader who was committed to serving the people of Kentucky. He made our commonwealth a better place,” Gov. Beshear said. “Britainy and I are praying for his family and loved ones.”

The Democrat was also known widely for making Kentucky Fried Chicken what it is today. Brown served as co-owner of KFC before selling his stake in 1971, according to the National Governor’s Association. He also had owned three professional basketball teams, including the Boston Celtics.

In the 70s, he became a leading Democratic fundraiser by the time he made his own run for public office. In the spring of 1979, newly married to TV celebrity and former Miss America Phyllis George, Brown swooped back into his home state and entered the Democratic primary for governor. With his personal fortune, Brown unleashed a six-week campaign that heavily used television. He defeated Republican Louie B. Nunn, a former governor, in the general election. 

A private memorial service will take place at the Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Kentucky Education Television and ket.org will broadcast the service for all to see.

Beshear ordered flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff in honor of Brown until sunset on the day of interment. 

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