Later Life

Carroll retired as a senator in 2020 but could never fully stay out of politics. In an interview shortly before his death, Carroll spoke candidly about his former Republican colleagues and the current governor: “[Mitch McConnell] is tough, very tough. I knew him as a county judge. He has totally dedicated himself to the Republican Party… Andy Beshear has been a very good governor… I wish him well.” [1]

Carroll was 89 years old when he finally retired from politics, celebrating over sixty years of state-wide development and growth. Even between political positions, Carroll remained within the political sphere, lobbying and taking part in affairs of state. [2] He was a deeply religious man, with his faith being a central tenant in his life and career. While in hospice care, he attended a local Assembly of God congregation and testified that God “has been so good to me… Every night before I go to bed, I thank the Lord for letting me live another day.” [3]

Julian Carroll passed on December 10, 2023 at the age of 92, having lived a long, full life dedicated to his career, family, and God. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlann, whom he was married to for 64 years, and his son, Brad.

Carroll lay in state in the Capitol rotunda for his memorial service on December 15th, where state officials and civilians alike came to pay their respects for the former governor. Carroll’s family and various Kentucky politicians delivered remarks in remembrance of the lifelong politician. His private funeral was held the next day at a local church in Frankfort, and he was buried at Frankfort Cemetery. [4] He is survived by three of his children – Ken, Patrice, and Elly – grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who all held fond memories of him. As a formal statement, his family remarked, “As a family, it is with the heaviest of hearts that we grieve the loss of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His steadfast faith and positive outlook on life...and constant love for his family and his giving heart and warm embrace will forever be missed.” [5] Carroll left behind a legacy defined by public service on several fronts: environmental, educational, religious, and familial.

To commemorate Carroll’s community outreach and service as governor, he received honorary degrees from the University of Kentucky, Morehead State University, Eastern Kentucky University, Lincoln Memorial University, and Murray State University. He was also honored with multiple structures named after him, such as the Julian M. Carroll Purchase Parkway, which runs from Fulton to Calvert City, Kentucky, Julian Carroll Airport in Jackson, Kentucky, and the Julian Carroll Convention Center in his hometown of Paducah.

1. Jack Brammer, “Unafraid of death, former Kentucky Gov. Julian Carroll reflects on his long political life,” The Kentucky Lantern, November 23, 2023, https://kentuckylantern.com/2023/11/23/unafraid-of-death-former-kentucky-gov-julian-carroll-reflects-on-his-long-political-life/.
2. Jack Brammer, "Unafraid of death."
3. Jack Brammer, “Unafraid of death."
4. “Obituary for Julian M. Carroll,” Harrod Brothers Funeral Home, last modified Decmeber 17, 2023, https://www.harrodbrothers.com/obituaries/Julian-Carroll/#!/Obituary.
5. Bruce Schreiner, “Former Kentucky Gov. Julian Carroll dies at age 92,” Associated Press, December 10, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/former-kentucky-governor-julian-carroll-obituary-dead-785894176558f5ec06ee7f3af492b87c.