LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Martha Layne Collins, Kentucky’s first female governor, has died at 88, according to a social media post from Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky.

“Gov. Collins was a powerhouse, transforming our commonwealth through major accomplishments like bringing Toyota to our state for its first U.S. site,” Beshear said. “She created a foundation for us to build a strong future upon, and her legacy will continue to benefit Kentucky families for generations. She was a proud Kentuckian, and she will be greatly missed.”

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Reaction poured in from leaders across both sides of the aisle in Kentucky after the news.

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Collins was born and raised in Shelby County before graduating from the University of Kentucky and becoming a school teacher.

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In 1971, she got involved in state politics and quickly moved up through the ranks of the Democratic Party. She was elected lieutenant governor in 1979 under then-governor, John Y. Brown, Jr.

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He was frequently out of state, so Collins served as acting governor for over 500 days, more than a quarter of his term.

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Layne said, “As women especially we have to be ready. When that window of opportunity opens, that door of opportunity opens, you gotta be ready to go through it. And so do everything you can to prepare yourself. Learn as much as you possibly can – and one thing about women, we’re not afraid of a little hard work.”

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In 1983, she defeated Jim Bunning to become the state’s first female governor, becoming the highest-ranking democratic woman in the nation.

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While in office, she expanded education funding and was known for economic development, leading the charge to bring the Toyota plant to Georgetown and convincing Ford to expand their truck plant in Louisville.

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“I can be out shopping and some lady will walk up to me and say ‘Thank you’ and I’m thinking, why is she thanking me? And then she says ‘My husband got a job at Toyota and now we can send the girls to college.’”

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Layne Collins leaves a legacy as a trailblazer, inspiring women for decades to come.

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She said, “If they tell you it can’t be done…show ‘em.”

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Martha Layne Collins High School in Shelby County opened in 2010 and is named after the former governor.

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“When I became governor, you have lots of priorities, but when I’d sit down and think about it, education always came back as the first thing you have to start with,” she said in a 1992 interview with the Nunn Center for Oral History at the University of Kentucky. “I feel like I made an impact in education and bringing in new jobs; I hope we made the people of Kentucky feel good about themselves.”Arrangements have not yet been released.

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The late governor’s son Steve Collins, reached by phone, declined comment but said he would have more to say later. Services are not yet complete, he said.

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.