Skip to Main Content

Statement from KET Executive Director and CEO Shae Hopkins on Lillian Press

For Release: 04/27/20 7:14 PM

We were deeply saddened to learn of our dear friend’s passing. Lil Press enriched the lives of so many through her dedicated service to the people of the Commonwealth. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Len, to establish the state’s public television network, and to us she will always be the first lady of KET.

: Lillian and Len Press received honorary doctorates from the University of Kentucky in 2015.

: Lillian and Len Press celebrate KET at its annual Summer Celebration gala in 2018.

: Lillian and Len at KET’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2018 with their son, Lowell, and daughter-in-law, Sasha

: Lillian and Len with KET executive director and CEO Shae Hopkins at a 1960s-themed Summer Celebration in 2018

: Lillian and Len at KET’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2018, along with: Nick Nicholson, Shae Hopkins, PBS president Paula Kerger, KET Authority Board chair Dan Griffith, and KET Friends President Sean Mestan.