FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT/WAVE) - Governor Andy Beshear has ordered flags to half-staff in honor of late Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins.

Collins passed away at the age of 88. As the Commonwealth’s 56th Governor, serving from 1983 to 1987, Collins was the first and, to date, only woman to hold the state’s highest office.

Facing skepticism, Collins championed an unprecedented incentives package that successfully brought Toyota’s first North American manufacturing plant to Georgetown in 1986.

Prior to her governorship, Collins also served as the 48th Lieutenant Governor, acting as governor for more than 500 days during her term.

“Former Gov. Martha Layne Collins was a powerhouse, transforming our commonwealth through major accomplishments like bringing Toyota to our state for its first

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