Jones served as lieutenant governor under Wallace Wilkinson in the late 80s and early 90s before going on to win the governorship himself.
Known for backing universal healthcare and successfully promoting a state constitutional amendment to permit Kentucky governors and other statewide elected officials to serve two consecutive terms, Jones also had a love for one of the commonwealth’s signature industries.
Jones spoke about that subject his career as a horseman in 2015, commenting on the name of 2012 Kentucky Oaks winner Believe You Can.
"And I must admit I love the name on that filly because I grew up in a very positive household and I remember my father, when I was at a very young age, saying you never use the word 'can't' in this family. If I tell you to do something, you find a way to do it because I'm never going to tell you do something you're unable to do," Jones recalled.
Gov. Andy Beshear said Jones’ family has asked for privacy at this time but will be releasing a statement in the coming days. The governor called Jones a “dedicated leader and a distinguished thoroughbred owner who worked to strengthen Kentucky for our families.”
Jones was 84.
