FRANKFORT, Ky.– Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman underwent a double mastectomy on Monday after concerns were raised during a routine medical exam, her office announced. The Democrat said she expects to make a full recovery.
The operation came less than a week after Coleman and Gov. Andy Beshear were sworn in for a second term, having successfully run the ticket again in the Bluegrass State.
In a statement Monday, Coleman thanked her family for their loving support and said she would see Kentuckians again soon.
The surgery recently followed a routine physical exam, she said.
“Because there is a high incidence of cancer in my family, I decided to have a double mastectomy,” said Coleman. “I am pleased to report that a successful operation was performed today and I expect to make a full recovery.”
Beshear said in a separate statement that Coleman is a friend and a “critical part” of his administration.
“My family and Kentucky families are standing by her during this time,” the Democratic governor said.
Coleman, 41, was a fixture on the campaign trail during the tough campaign that saw Beshear and Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron at the top. She debated her Republican rival for lieutenant governor in a televised debate late in the campaign. The Beshear-Coleman ticket won a convincing victory last month, just as every other state office was won by the Republican Party.
Coleman has already raised questions about whether she will run for governor in 2027 and has politely brushed them aside. Beshear may run for governor again in four years.
Coleman spent years as a teacher and school administrator before being appointed by Beshear as his running mate for their first successful run as the ticket in 2019. She has been a staunch supporter of the governor's education proposals, including his push for higher teacher pay and universal access . to pre-K for all 4-year-old Kentuckians. In addition to her role as an advocate for public education, Coleman focused on rural economic development, adult education and student mental health initiatives during her first term.
Last week she took part in the all-day opening events. In her speech that day, Coleman praised the importance of the Beshear administration's education proposals, stating, “From cradle to career, education is the key that opens doors for every Kentuckian.” Healthcare workers and teachers served as grand marshals for the opening parade that day.
On Monday, Coleman thanked her health care providers for the care she received.
“As Kentucky's highest elected teacher, it's only fitting that I leave you with some homework: schedule those preventative exams you've been putting off, hug your people a little tighter, and be kind, because everyone is fighting a battle you may not know anything about “, she said.