A 40-year employee with 17 years at the helm of KET, Hopkins had planned to step down at the end of the year. During her on-air sign-off in July, recently retired host Renee Shaw described Hopkins as KET's "fearless leader."
"Your love for KET is unmatched," Shaw said. "She is our mama bear, righting to protect this institution's integrity, mission, and value."
Now, colleagues, admirers, and family and friends are mourning Hopkins' passing.
Under Hopkins' watch, the use of KET programs and services doubled and the public TV network took home 40 regional Emmys and 83 national and state awards.
A statement from KET described Hopkins as admired and beloved by her coworkers, with KET Chair Dan Griffith praising her "exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment" to KET's mission. He added that her knowledge, dedication, and experience will be "hard to replace."