LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Former Kentucky Gov. John Y. Brown Jr. has died.

Brown served as Kentucky’s 55th governor, from 1979 to 1983. His death was announced Tuesday by current Gov. Andy Beshear.

“I am sad to share that former Governor John Y. Brown Jr. passed away yesterday,” Gov. Beshear said. “Gov. Brown was a remarkable leader who was committed to serving the people of Kentucky. He made our commonwealth a better place. Britainy and I are praying for his family and loved ones.”

Gov. Beshear also ordered flags at all state office buildings to be flown at half-staff until his burial.

Brown’s term was marked for occurring during the economic recession of the early-1980s, which caused a shortfall in the state budget. But having campaigned on a pledge not to raise taxes, he cut the state budget by 22 percent and trimmed the state government workforce by more than 6,000 employees.

Brown also implemented competitive bidding for state contracts, passed a weight-distance tax on trucks, and opened communications with Japan which resulted in later economic projects.

Prior to his political career, Brown was best known for having purchased the Kentucky Fried Chicken chain from Col. Harland Sanders back in 1964. He later sold his stake in the company in 1971 and went on to buy Lum’s restaurants and found Kenny Rogers Roasters.

He also was part owner of the American Basketball Association’s Kentucky Colonels franchise, which folded after the ABA merged with the NBA in 1976.

The family of John Y. Brown Jr. released the following statement:

“Our Dad, John Y. Brown Jr., not only dreamed the impossible dream, he lived it until the very end. His positive attitude and zest for life was unrivaled and allowed him to beat the odds many times over. Every day was an exciting adventure for him. He was a true Kentucky original who beamed with pride for his home state and its people. He had many prominent accomplishments, but most of all he loved his family with all of his heart, and we in turn loved him with all of our hearts. We are heartbroken by his passing, but find comfort in what he wrote in one of his final days, ‘I have never been so happy.’”