LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Martha Layne Collins, Kentucky's first female governor, has died at 88, according to a social media post from Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky.

Collins was born and raised in Shelby County before graduating from the University of Kentucky and becoming a school teacher.

In 1971, she got involved in state politics and quickly moved up through the ranks of the Democratic Party. She was elected lieutenant governor in 1979 under then-governor, John Y. Brown, Jr.

He was frequently out of state, so Collins served as acting governor for over 500 days, more than a quarter of his term.

Layne said, “As women especially we have to be ready. When that window of opportunity opens, that door of opportunity opens, you gotta be ready to go through it. And so do everything you can to prepare yo

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