Shae Hopkins, who led Kentucky Educational Television for more than 17 years, has died at 69

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 31) — Shae Hopkins, the executive director and CEO of Kentucky Educational Television, died Thursday, the network announced. She was 69.

Hopkins died after a battle with cancer, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. In August, she had announced plans to retire at the end of this year.

She spent four decades at KET. Hopkins started as a temporary employee working on pledge drives and worked her way up, leading private fundraising for a decade, serving as founding president of the Commonwealth Fund for KET and later as deputy director of programming, production and education. She ran the statewide public network for more than 17 years.

Under her leadership, KET expanded its Kentucky-focused series, documentaries and biographies and launched The Kentucky Channel, Kentucky Today reported. She also oversaw new production studios in the Capitol Annex in Frankfort and in Louisville.

In its statement, KET said Hopkins was "admired and beloved" by co-workers, board members, volunteers and colleagues across public broadcasting, according to LEX18.

Hopkins was the daughter of the late Larry J. Hopkins, who represented Kentucky's 6th District in Congress. She is survived by her mother, siblings, three children and five grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.