Kentucky’s public media community is remembering Shae Hopkins, the longtime Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kentucky Educational Television (KET), following her death on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the age of 69. KET announced her passing on October 30, describing her as a dedicated leader whose four decades of service helped shape public broadcasting and educational programming across the Commonwealth. A Career Spanning 40 Years at KET Hopkins began her career at KET as a temporary employee working in pledge production. Over the years, she took on several leadership responsibilities, including serving as Deputy Director of Programming, Production and Education, and founding president of the Commonwealth Fund for KET. She eventually became Executive Director and CEO, leading the statewide public broadcasting network for more than 17 years. During her leadership, KET expanded its local productions, documentaries, educational resources, and services. Projects included the launch of The Kentucky Channel, the public affairs program Kentucky Edition, and productions that brought Kentucky stories to national audiences. The network also developed educational resources, including GED preparation programs and learning materials for students and educators. Her Influence on Public Media Hopkins’ work extended beyond Kentucky. She served on the PBS Board of Directors and held leadership roles in national public broadcasting organizations. In 2025, PBS presented her with the Dan Miller Station Leadership Award in recognition of her leadership and longstanding contribution to public media. Under her direction, KET’s programs and services grew to reach more than two million viewers and users each week. Her leadership was also associated with significant technical improvements and expanded educational and public-service programming. Family and Personal Life According to KET’s announcement, Hopkins was preceded in death by her father, former Congressman Larry J. Hopkins. She is survived by her mother, Carolyn Pennebaker Hopkins; brother Josh Hopkins; sister Tara Hopkins West; her children, Hannah (Mike) Duffy, Haley (Dan) Dickerson, and Ross (Ana) Martin; her niece, Kate (Barrett) Meyer; five grandchildren; and her longtime companion, Bud McSpadden. Personal Details Detail Information Full name Shae Hopkins Age 69 Date of birth Not available Date of death Thursday, October 29, 2026 Profession Public media executive Former position Executive Director and CEO of KET Years at KET 40 years Years as CEO More than 17 years Father Former Congressman Larry J. Hopkins Mother Carolyn Pennebaker Hopkins Residence Not specified in the announcement Death Details Detail Information Name Shae Hopkins Age at death 69 Date of passing October 29, 2026 Place of death Not publicly specified Cause of death Not disclosed in KET’s announcement Family presence PBS said she passed away surrounded by her family Funeral and Memorial Information At the time of KET’s announcement on October 30, funeral and memorial arrangements were still pending. Further information is expected to be shared by the family or the organization when available. A Lasting Legacy Shae Hopkins leaves behind a significant legacy in Kentucky public media. Through her work at KET, she helped expand educational opportunities, strengthen local storytelling, and connect audiences with programming that reflected the people and communities of the Commonwealth. Her four decades of service will remain an important part of the network’s history, while colleagues, viewers, and public broadcasting professionals remember her contribution to the institution she helped lead. Disclaimer This obituary is based on information released by Kentucky Educational Television and other public media organizations. Details not publicly confirmed, including the precise place of death and funeral arrangements, have not been assumed. Share this... Facebook Pinterest Twitter Linkedin Post navigation Matthew “Matt” Hagen Obituary: Willmar, Minnesota Community Remembers 51-Year-Old Atlanta Airport Shooting Today: What Happened at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?