Shae Hopkins Obituary, Death – Longtime Kentucky Educational Television CEO Dies at 69 After Cancer Battle
The Kentucky community is mourning the death of Shae Hopkins, the longtime Executive Director and CEO of Kentucky Educational Television (KET), whose four decades of service transformed public broadcasting across the Commonwealth. Hopkins died on October 29, 2026, at the age of 69, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Her death was announced by KET on October 30, prompting tributes from colleagues, public media leaders, friends, and people whose lives were touched by her work. She had been preparing to retire at the end of 2026 after leading the network for more than 17 years.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 15, 1956, in Murray, Kentucky, Shae was the first child of Larry J. Hopkins, a former U.S. congressman, and Carolyn Pennebaker Hopkins.
Following her father’s serious car accident in 1958, the family moved to Lexington, where Shae grew up and attended Cardinal Valley Elementary, Beaumont Junior High School, and Lafayette High School. She was an energetic and adventurous young woman who enjoyed athletics, ballet, photography, and spending time with friends.
At Lafayette, she played on the girls’ basketball team and developed an early interest in broadcasting, working as a sports reporter for WVLK radio. The friendships she formed during her school years remained important throughout her life.
A Remarkable 40-Year Career at KET
Shae’s professional journey at Kentucky Educational Television began in January 1986, when she accepted what was initially a temporary position in pledge production. What started as a three-month assignment developed into a remarkable 40-year career.
Through dedication, initiative, and a willingness to take on new responsibilities, she advanced through several leadership positions. She spent time overseeing private fundraising, became founding president of the Commonwealth Fund for KET, and later served as Deputy Director of Programming, Production and Education.
She eventually became Executive Director and CEO, a position she held for more than 17 years. Under her leadership, KET expanded its reach, with more than two million people using its programs and services each week.
Her achievements included launching The Kentucky Channel, establishing production facilities in Louisville and at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, and expanding programming that connected audiences with the state’s history, culture, education, and public affairs.
Her work also helped bring Kentucky stories to national audiences through documentaries and productions highlighting the people and communities of the Commonwealth.
National Recognition and Public Media Leadership
Beyond her responsibilities at KET, Hopkins became a respected voice in the national public broadcasting industry. She served on the PBS Board of Directors and contributed to several professional organizations, including the Organization of State Broadcast Executives and the National Educational Telecommunications Association.
In 2011, she was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a founding director of the national Digital Promise Board.
Her contributions earned her several industry honours, including regional Emmy Awards, Telly Awards, and the National Advocacy Award from America’s Public Television Stations.
In 2025, she received the Daniel K. Miller Station Leadership Award, PBS’s highest honour for public media station leaders. The recognition reflected her vision, leadership, and lasting contribution to educational broadcasting.
A Loving Mother and Family Woman
Although Shae’s professional accomplishments reached audiences throughout Kentucky and beyond, her family remained at the centre of her life.
In 1978, she married fellow Lexington resident James H. Martin. Together, they welcomed three children: Hannah, Haley, and Ross. Although their marriage ended in 1996, they maintained a close friendship and continued to share an important family connection.
She was also a devoted grandmother to five grandchildren, who knew her affectionately as Shae-Shae. Her family remembered her as generous, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the people she loved.
Hopkins is survived by her mother, Carolyn Pennebaker Hopkins; brother Josh Hopkins; sister Tara Hopkins West; her three children and their families; five grandchildren; and her longtime companion, Bud McSpadden. Her father, former Congressman Larry J. Hopkins, preceded her in death.
Tributes Following Shae Hopkins’ Death
KET colleagues remembered Hopkins for the strength, warmth, humour, and grace she brought to the organisation. PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger also paid tribute to her leadership, describing her as an exceptional person who consistently built relationships and encouraged others to support the mission of public media.
Her colleagues recalled not only her professional achievements but also her kindness, generosity, and commitment to the people around her. Even during her illness, she remained interested in KET’s future and continued sharing ideas about the organisation’s next chapter.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
A funeral service for Shae Hopkins is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington, Kentucky. Family and friends are also invited to a reception at Kentucky Educational Television from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Endowment for Kentucky Productions, supporting the continuation of her vision for public media and locally produced programming.
Shae Hopkins leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to education and storytelling. Her four decades at KET helped strengthen public broadcasting and connect millions of people with the stories, history, and opportunities of Kentucky.
She will be remembered by her family, friends, colleagues, and the wider public media community for a life defined by generosity, determination, humour, and an enduring belief in the value of serving others.