LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Julian Carroll was born and raised in McCracken County. He spent five terms representing that area in the State House before becoming lieutenant governor and then in 1974 he took over as Kentucky’s 54th governor—the first from the far west “Jackson Purchase” region.

While in office, he reorganized the state judicial system, increased funding for public education and expanded the park system. 

President Jimmy Carter shakes hands with Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll, left, after the opening session of the National Governors’ Association in Washington on Sunday, Feb. 25, 1979. Man in the middle is Presidential Assistant Jack Watson. (AP Photo/Wilson)

He left office in 1979 to resume a law career, but returned to politics in 2005 as a state senator representing the Frankfort area.

Kentucky Gov. Julian Carroll greets first lady Rosalynn Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale upon their arrival in Louisville, Kentucky, July 7, 1979. President Carter had been scheduled to make the trip, but cancelled. (AP Photo/Paul Vathis)

In that role, he advocated for legalizing cannabis oil, leading to a notable exchange with a woman who wanted it to treat her son.

But Carroll’s political tenure was not without controversy. In 2017, Spectrum News 1 reported allegations made by a male photographer that in 2005 Carroll offered to help him get into art school and then propositioned and allegedly groped the man. There was an audio recording of the incident.
 
After an emergency meeting in Frankfort, Democratic leaders asked Carroll to resign, but he refused. Carroll was then removed as minority whip. He left office on Jan. 2021.

He is remembered statewide through the Julian Carroll Purchase Parkway and the convention center in Paducah that bears his name.

Julian Carroll was 92 years old.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the age of Julian Carroll when he died. He was 92. That error has been corrected. (Dec. 10, 2023)