Martha Layne Collins made history in 1983 when she defeated Jim Bunning to become Kentucky's first — and so far only — female governor. Current governor, Andy Beshear, announced her death Saturday, calling her a powerhouse who transformed the Commonwealth.

She was 88.

Collins, a Democrat, served from 1983 to 1987. At that time, governors in Kentucky were limited to single terms. She also was just the third woman in the U.S. to be elected governor of a state outright, not elevated to the position by succeeding a husband. Prior to that, she was elected lieutenant governor in 1979.

She may best be remembered for bringing Toyota to Kentucky and transforming the state's economy. The company's first U.S. site opened in Georgetown in 1986.

"She created a foundation for us to build a strong fu

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