Brown Jr. She oncesaid that her favorite place on Earth was "Kentucky in the fall" and had moved back toKentucky in recent years, settling in Lexington, where John Y. She was a pioneer in becoming the first female sportscaster at a major network. [38] The center is named in honor of Harland Sanders and Brown's father. Hutt, "Kenny Rogers Wants to Take Name with Him from Bankrupt Roaster Chain". Book, "You get your learnin' from your burnin'". [18] The founding of Kenny Rogers Roasters was part of a larger movement in the restaurant industry toward healthier, take-home offerings. As the story goes, Mr Brown had been wanting to meet Miss George ever since the night his divorce from his first wife, Ellie, who ran his unsuccessful Kentucky Colonels basketball team, became final, and he caught a glimpse of Miss George on television. In 1969, he bought a controlling interest in the Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association. John Y. John Y. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. In 1979, after marrying his second wife, Phyllis George, Brown won the Democratic partys nomination for Kentucky governor and went on to defeat former Governor Louie B. Nunn. It brings back a lot of good memories. George died on May 14 at the age of 70. BROWN JR. was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1933. American businesswoman. Her first marriage to Robert Evans, the former head of Paramount Pictures and film producer, lasted just over a year. His mother was Dorothy (Inman) Brown. Brown's children. [31] In 1977, Brown purchased the remaining share of the team from the owner Paul Snyder. Tony Romo to Interview Three Up-And-Coming NFL Quarterbacks in Special Airing May 24. Who's Kentucky's new first lady? hitType: 'event', "John Young Brown Jr. Hall of Distinguished Alumni. In about 184, Brown, Jim 1936 [6][10] During a 1963 political breakfast, Brown met Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), and the two discussed selling Sanders' chicken in Brown's chain of barbecue restaurants. "But he's a little shy.". Reynolds, the tobacco giant. Brown was born on December 28, 1933, in Lexington, Kentucky. However, the date of retrieval is often important. [23] Colonels general manager Mike Storen felt that this was a sign that Brown was going to run the team "his way" and left the team as a result; two months later, he accepted the job of ABA league commissioner. Brown Jr., the dashing multimillionaire who built Kentucky Fried Chicken into an international success, then won Kentucky's governorship in a whirlwind campaign with his celebrity . AP Worldstream. ga('ads.send', { 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., his kids, Lincoln, Pamela, John the 3rd, Sissy and Sandy. And I would say, John, they are going to be better. Well, lets go to practice, we would call up Cal and go to practice.. [64] In December 1992, Clucker's, a smaller player in the roasted chicken market, sued Kenny Rogers Roasters, claiming the chain had copied its recipes and menus. In 1972, she joined the cast of "The NFL Today," co-hosting pregame shows beforegames and was one of the first women to have a national role in television sports. George resurfaced in 2000 when she played a minor character in the hit movie Meet the Parents. Gov. [53], In 1987, Brown again ran for governor, entering a crowded Democratic primary that included Lieutenant Governor Steve Beshear, former governor Julian Carroll, Grady Stumbo, and political newcomer Wallace Wilkinson. Mr. Brown then bought a half interest in the Buffalo Braves of the N.B.A., a former expansion team. A prodigious Democratic fund-raiser, Mr. Brown, a son of a former Kentucky congressman and state legislator, initially flirted with a political career, considering a run for the United States Senate before deciding against it at the last minute and then gauging a bid for governor in 1975 before again declining to join the race. Within the Cite this article tool, pick a style to see how all available information looks when formatted according to that style. John Y. [79][80] Brown was buried in the Lexington Cemetery. Died: November 21, 2022 ( Who else died on November. John Y. A New York Times story about the race described it as "the kissing campaign. Kentucky Gov. Brown, Jr. was 45 and Phyllis George was 29 years old. Named Miss Congeniality in the Miss Texas pageant, Georgedescribed herself in a 1998 Courier Journal interview as a small-town Christian girl"very close to my family" who entered the Miss America pageant determined to win. Brown Jr", "Fmr. [1] He was the only son of five children born to John Y. and Dorothy Inman Brown. In early 1985, after her four yearsas Kentucky's first lady, she became a co-host with Bill Kurtis of "CBS Morning News," a disappointing run for Georgethat lasted only eight months. Williams, "Business Update Brown Backs Rogers' New Chicken Chain". [2], Brown joined his father's law practice after earning his law degree. '"The article reported that after Phyllis' 11month marriage to Hollywood movie producer Robert Evans had broken up, she had run into John at a party in Hollywood. "I think we enjoyed every single day.". His most controversial appointment was Frank Metts, his secretary of transportation. Her first, Chicken by George, was a maker of marinated fresh chicken-breast entrees, which she eventually sold to Hormel Foods. While Brown served as governor from 1979 to 1983, his business ventures, sports ownerships and marriage to former Miss America Phyllis George are what he might be remembered for most. All rights reserved. [33] The move turned Boston fans against Brown, both because Kunnert and Washington were seen as key pieces of the team's future and because team president and legendary former coach Red Auerbach publicly stated that he was not consulted about the trade. "She won it for him, there's no doubt about that," said Terry McBrayer, a Lexington lawyer and former state legislator who was among the Democrats who lost to Brown. },false) }); His marriage to Ms. George, in 1979, also ended in divorce, in 1998. [13] Brown sold the Lum's chain for $9.5million to Friedrich Jahn's Wienerwald holding group in 1978. [47] He cut the executive office staff from ninety-seven to thirty and sold seven of the state's eight government airplanes. Pamela Brown was born on November 29, 1983, in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff in Browns honor until sunset on the day of interment. [54] Brown's office tried to conceal the seriousness of his condition, drawing fire from the press. In some mountain towns, people would greet the couple with handmade gifts for George, introducing her to folk art, which captivatedher. "Phyllis, don't bother them," she recalled him saying. And everybody in Kentucky, it seems, wants to kiss the former Miss America turned television personality," said aNew York Times article aboutthe race. [22] He put his wife and a 10-woman board of directors in charge of the team. [40] Initially the leading candidate, Stovall was hampered during the campaign by ill health. John Y. "She was always a very, very nice person and very decent to me. Jill Roachm. Brown, Jr. passed away last week. [63] Brown expanded several other restaurants including Miami Subs, Texas Roadhouse, and Roadhouse Grill. He was born in Lexington in 1933 and was the son of former U.S. Rep. John Y. After the defeat, Brown focused again on his business ventures which included teaming up with country star Kenny Rogers to create a chicken restaurant chain and later a meal prep kitchen concept with actress Suzanne Somers. eventAction: 'click_adunit' Wilfred P., B.Comm., LL.B., Q.C. While Phyllis George became a fixture on Sunday morning television in households across the country during the 1974 NFL season, it was three years earlier George caught the nations attention when she was crowned Miss America. John Y. ." [6], Other candidates in the Democratic field included sitting lieutenant governor Thelma Stovall, Terry McBrayer (the choice of sitting governor Julian Carroll), congressman Carroll Hubbard, state auditor George Adkins, and Louisville mayor Harvey Sloane. Browns term as governor was marked by tough economic times, budget challenges, and state employee layoffs. She came to countamong her friends Norman Vincent Peale, the prominent New York pastor who officiated at her wedding to Brown; Bill and Hillary Clinton; George and Barbara Bush; and Sir Elton John. His positive attitude and zest for life was unrivaled and allowed him to beat the odds many times over. [7] While in law school, he made as much as $25,000 a year selling Encyclopdia Britannica sets and employed a sales crew made up of classmates to increase his profits. I just never respected him after that. After 19 years , they break up in 1998. While George gained notoriety on The NFL Today, she also did various other work for the network, including coverage of horse racing and the NBA. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { [60] When Brown approached the state capitol to file his papers, Beshear met him outside the filing office and challenged him to an impromptu debate, but Brown declined. [39] Consequently, many of his legislative recommendations were not enacted. Her connection with Kentucky runs deep," Beshearsaid in the tweet. Inspired to Achieve Brown, Jr. passed away last week. Casting himself as the maker of policy and manager of finances, he sought to attract investment by promoting Kentucky & Co. as the state thats run like a business. But to keep the state solvent, he had to shrink the government payroll by thousands of employees while trying to avoid major reductions in services. Strengthened by Adversity John Y. [6] Funding his campaign with his own personal fortune, Brown launched a massive media campaign promoting his candidacy to help him overcome his late start in the race. [59] He entered the race late filing his candidacy papers in late February before the primary election in late May. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of She was an incredible first lady for Kentucky. "[44] The report went on to say that the mansion was a virtual firetrap. What is the downstream petrochemical industry? The couple barnstormed the state by helicopter on a "honeymoon campaign," according to The Courier Journal, a race that attracted widespread national attention. John Brown, Jr. was born July 25, 1821, in Hudson, Ohio. [79], Brown during his term as governor, 197882. Why am I so emotional in my second trimester? [40] During the campaign, Brown was attacked by McBrayer for refusing to release his federal tax returns. [2][15] Of the 340-outlet beer-and-hot-dog chain, Brown said "they did not have very good food. Brown, Jr. has died at the age of 88. In 1975, George was hired as a reporter and co-host . "Former Governor Enters Kentucky Senate Race". We were there as Browns casket, flanked by a state police honor guard, was led into the capital and set up at the foot of the Abraham Lincoln statue. }); Outside of her professional life, George married twice. [14] Using some of the profits from the KFC sale, Brown and some associates bought the Miami-based Lum's chain of restaurants from its founders, Stuart and Clifford S. Perlman, for $4million. During the 1970s, he also owned, at various times, three professional basketball teams: the American Basketball Association's Kentucky Colonels, and the National Basketball Association's Boston Celtics and Buffalo Braves (currently the Los Angeles Clippers). [18] Kenny Rogers Roasters, another chain founded with country music superstar Kenny Rogers proved more successful. Brown Jr. turned Kentucky Fried Chicken Inc. into one of the largest fast-food operations in the world. John Young Brown, Jr. (born December 28, 1933) is a politician, entrepreneur, and businessman from the U.S. state of Kentucky. [51] He also required competitive bids from banks where state funds were deposited; the extra interest generated by this process generated an additional $50million in revenue to the general fund. Brown Jr. in 1979 delivering his inaugural address as Kentuckys governor. [47] The renovation and repairs were completed in March 1983, and the Brown family returned to the mansion in April. I only do it with one girl (wife). [36] The ceremony was performed by Norman Vincent Peale. [1] In May 1981, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Kentucky, and in May 1982, he was the recipient of the Father of the Year award. Brown tried to make a political comeback in 1987 but failed to win the Democratic partys nomination for governor. He lost perennial races for governor and the U.S. Senate losses that haunted his son and which John Jr. later blamed on machine politicians whose support his father had spurned. "US Lawsuit Against Actress Somers Dismissed". [64] Kentucky Fried Chicken also introduced a roasted chicken line of products called Rotisserie Gold to compete with Roasters and Boston Chicken. She is survived by her two children, Lincoln Tyler George Brown and daughter Pamela Brown, a reporter for CNN. A Washington Post story headlined "Phyllis George and the Kentucky Fried Candidate"described the pairas "a campaign manager's dream of media heaven," with George, as theadoring wife,warming up crowdsfollowed by Brown with his sales pitch to be governor. Brown, Jr. married with Phyllis George (70), in 1979. "I was focused," she said. Brown Jr., a onetime owner of Kentucky Fried Chicken who parlayed his fast-food fortune into a dramatic rise in Kentucky politics, winning one term as governor shortly after. John Brown ran Stryker Corp., a medical device and software company, for 32 years before retiring as chairman in 2009. Updated: Nov 22, 2022 / 04:02 PM EST. (It was later bought by Nathans Famous.). Her birth name is Pamela Ashley Brown. [6][39] The announcement surprised most political observers because of his prior political apathy and because Brown had spent considerable time out of the state with his business ventures and lavish lifestyle. [12] Giving all their restaurants a distinct red-and-white striped color pattern, the group opened over 1,500 restaurants, including locations in all 50 U.S. states and several international locations. John Young Brown Jr. (December 28, 1933 - November 22, 2022) is an American politician, entrepreneur, and businessman from the U.S. state of Kentucky. The duo had divorced in 1998 and share two children together Lincoln Tyler George Brown, who is now a Lexington entrepreneur, and Pamela Ashley Brown, a White House correspondent for CNN. [50] Brown re-appointed McAnulty to his former position as a judge with the Jefferson County District Court and replaced him with another African-American, George W. "I was prepared. Louisville Courier Journal 0:00 0:57 Phyllis George, a former Miss America, television personality and ex-wife of Gov. ." 1964 While he was lying in state, John Y Brown jr was in a Kentucky-flag-draped casket, but it was switched to an American flag as the state police honor guard carried him to the hearse because of his time served in the military. He saidhe especiallyvalued their four years as Kentucky's governor and first lady. [47], Difficult economic times marked Brown's term in office. } eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), I enjoy sex as much as Joe Namath, Staubach said. In a statement, her two children praised George for her strength and spirit. LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Former Kentucky governor and businessman John Y. Brown Jr. PepsiCo In 1964, then 73 years old, he sold the company to a group of investors led by John Y. After briefly practicing law with his father, he purchased Kentucky Fried Chicken from founder Harland Sanders in 1964. "And everybody in Kentucky, it seems, wants to kiss the former Miss America turned television personality.". Brown Jr., who turned Kentucky Fried Chicken into a multimillion-dollar global enterprise before trying to run the state like a business as its Democratic governor from 1979 to. Dictionary of Women Worldwide: 25,000 Women Through the Ages. Joe Runci/The Boston Globe, via Getty Images. "She's been a big part of our lives.". After being part of three seasons on live pregame shoes, hosting 'People' and even anchoring for 'CBS Morning News,' her marriage to John had put the couple into the political spotlight because John had decided to run for Governor just 10 days after the couple had wed. Phyllis had helped John win Kentucky's 1979 race for governor through her status as Miss America 1971 and her enthusiasm about women in sportscasting. Mr. Brown in 1981 at a formal event in New York City with his wife at the time, Phyllis George, the CBS sportscaster and former Miss America. Phyllis George, a former Miss America, television personality and ex-wife of Gov. Speaking of how their dynamics worked, she said, "John wants me to do all these things and you can't expect a person like me who's been an achiever to stay in the background. [41] Nevertheless, Brown won the primary by a margin of 25,000 votes. "McBreyer Hits Brown on Voting, Finances". (Stanhope St.Bluenose), https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/moore-ellie-durall-1940. [65] Brown then took Roasters public and grew it to a chain of more than 1,000 restaurants before selling his interest in the franchise to the Malaysia-based Berjaya Group in 1996. [53], Brown died at a hospital in Lexington on November 22, 2022, at age 88. In 1979, however, recently wed to Phyllis George, a pioneering sportscaster and former Miss America, Mr. Brown plunged into a six-week television campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and defeated several candidates by a plurality of just under 30 percent. In Boston, Mr. Brown alienated loyalists by trading away popular players before selling the team in 1979. Brown, Sr. After a brief stint in the familys law practice, Brown and a group of investors bought Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1964 for $2 million, turning Col. Harland Sanders restaurants into a global chain. A native of Denton, Texas, George was a student at North Texas State University when she won the Miss America title that would change her life, leading to dozens of national appearances during her one-year reign before she settled in New York to try to break into television. He supposedly told a friend at the time, 'I think I'll out with her. Notifications can be turned off anytime from browser settings. Anyone can read what you share. Wilson. Brown Jr., Kentucky's Democratic candidate for governor, and his wife of seven months, Phyllis George, constantly hug and kiss like newlyweds on the campaign trail," the newspaper reported. hitType: 'event', George, a Texan, rose to prominence after winning the 1971 Miss America title at age 21 and relocating to New York, where she said her "Texas personality" helped her land her firsttelevision assignments. Brown Jr., who became Kentucky's governor after building empires in business and sports, has died. "John was handsome, charismatic, successful, entrepreneurial, a visionary," she told The Courier Journal in 1998. Company Profiles for Students. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), [39] Following his recovery, he gave up smoking and took up jogging. He was a true Kentucky original who beamed with pride for his home state and its people. [41] McBrayer also claimed that Brown had not voted in a Democratic primary since 1975, a charge validated by public voting records. MAJOR WORKS: [9] On March 17, 1979, he married former Miss America and CBS sportscaster Phyllis George. 0:57. [2] By 1964, Brown persuaded Jack C. Massey[11] to purchase KFC from Sanders for $2 million (equivalent to $17,474,249 in 2021). She died in May 2020. Phyllis also spoke of how she was criticized as being part of too much of her husband's campaign. It grew to 350 outlets, but competition from Kentucky Fried Chicken, by then known as KFC, and the Boston Chicken chain (later known as Boston Market) drove it into bankruptcy in 1998. [6] Among his failed proposals were a multi-county banking law, a flat rate income tax, professional negotiations for teachers, and a constitutional amendment to allow a governor to be elected to successive terms. [55] The bank failed to report the transaction to the Internal Revenue Service as required by law. After serving one term, his lieutenant governor, Martha Layne Collins, went on to become Kentuckys first and only female governor. [38] In a press release, the association cited Brown's success at Kentucky Fried Chicken, his political career, and his help in establishing the university's SandersBrown Center on Aging as reasons for his induction. "My law background gave me the background and understanding to allow me to become governor of the Commonwealth of the Kentucky," he said. He then easily defeated Louie B. Nunn, a former Republican governor, that November. Though his political career was brief, after storming to victory with a former Miss America by his side, he made millions after selling the fried chicken chain. [39], Brown was less involved with the legislative process than previous governors. Brown turned the company into a worldwide success and sold his interest in the company for a huge profit in 1971. Brown Jr., who became Kentucky's governor after building empires in business and sports, has died. LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Former Kentucky governor and businessman John Y. [70] The "AA" designation comes from the fact that the highway originally connected the cities of Alexandria and Ashland. He married Wealthy Hotchkiss in 1847. [37], Unlike his father, Brown showed only a passing interest in politics prior to 1979. [27] It was one of her very few film roles. [8] Brown eventually sold his interest in the team to co-owner Harry Mangurian in 1979. "[53] Scandal did touch Brown personally, however, as well as some of his close associates. "We had a great partnership," he said. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. John Young Brown Jr. was born in Lexington on Dec. 28, 1933. U.S. Federal News Service. After completing his term in December 1983, Mr. Brown entered Kentuckys 1984 Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat but withdrew six weeks later, citing the lingering effects of life-threatening heart-bypass surgery he had undergone in his last year in office as governor. [31] Four hours later, he acquired Nate "Tiny" Archibald from the New York Nets for George Johnson and a first-round draft pick in 1979. "Phyllis was a great asset to Kentucky," said Brown, who also lives in Lexington and said hehad maintained an amicable relationship with his ex-wife. [74], In 2008, Brown was named to the University of Kentucky College of Law Alumni Association's Hall of Fame. He received a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Kentucky and served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1959 to 1965. "Moore, Ellie Durall (1940) John Sr. was named for, but not related to, the nineteenth century governor of the same name. "KFC Corporation". [67] After a brief legal fight over whether the proceedings should take place in Kentucky or Florida, the divorce became final in 1998. What was Phyllis Georges net worth at the time of her death? [55], Some of Brown's associates were involved with a Lexington cocaine and gun-smuggling ring called "The Company". [47] He waived his salary for the remainder of his term. John Y. By then, his luster as a potential national candidate had faded. Former Kentucky Gov. https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/moore-ellie-durall-1940, "Moore, Ellie Durall (1940) John Y. [13] Eventually, he became a member of both the Kentucky and Louisville Chambers of Commerce. Following through on his campaign promise to make more diverse appointments, he named a woman and an African-American to his cabinet. Colonel Sanders sold the business in 1964 for $2 million and continued to collect a salary for his work as the face of the brand. His sports ventures did not gain him many fans. Brown Jr.". Peterson, "In Kentucky, Life Style Is Now a Political Issue". [65] The lawsuit continued until Roasters purchased a majority stake in Cluckers in August 1994. [61] Other ads by Beshear played up Brown's ties to James P. Lambert, while still others claimed that Brown would raise taxes. if(document.querySelector("#adunit")){ [24] Head coach Joe Mullaney followed soon after, saying that Brown was going to be too meddlesome in personnel decisions. [6] For example, he did not attempt to influence the choice of legislative leadership, while most previous governors had practically hand-selected the presiding officers in each house. Initially successful, Brown said "that venture [Ollie's Trolley] collapsed". According to Celebrity Net Worth, at the time of her death, George had an estimated net worth of $10 million with the combined wealth from her career earnings and businesses. May, "Vindicated McAdoo Happily Heading for the Hall". During his tenure, the state's unemployment rate climbed from 5.6 percent to 11.7 percent. John Y. Among his children are news anchor Pamela Ashley Brown and former Secretary of State of Kentucky John Young Brown III. [2] After high school, Brown matriculated at the University of Kentucky, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1957 and a law degree in 1960. John Y. [13], On March 27, 1979, Brown interrupted his honeymoon with Phyllis George to announce his candidacy for governor of Kentucky. [67] After Brown reportedly cut off much of his wife's financial support, she filed a second divorce petition in 1997, this time in Broward County, Florida where her husband was living at the time. [46] First lady Phyllis Brown organized a group called "Save the Mansion" to raise private funds to offset the repair costs. Dictionary of Women Worldwide: 25,000 Women Through the Ages. [56] James P. Lambert, an associate of Brown's since they attended the University of Kentucky together, was indicted on more than 60 drug charges. Brammer, "Former Governor Declines Offer; Brown Doesn't Want to Be Part of Inauguration". SometimesBrown just needed encouragement, she said, recounting one incident where they arrived at a campaign stop and she greeted some bystanders enthusiastically. Though it would later end in divorce, the marriage of the handsome couplewith "his and her matching dimples" brought a splash of celebrity and national attention to the race that swept Browninto office as Kentucky's 55th governor. Former professional football player, actor, social activist Brown Jr., the former Democratic governor of Kentucky, has died at age 88. She died of a rare blood cancer in 2020 at 70 after a long career as a CBS sportscaster, in which she shattered a barrier in 1975 by joining the all-male cast of the program The NFL Today.. Brown Jr., not only dreamed the impossible dream, he lived it until the very end. George,. [46] Independently wealthy, Governor Brown donated his first year's salary to the project. Mr. Brown, a 30-year-old lawyer at the time, and a fellow investor bought Kentucky Fried Chicken from its founder, Harland Sanders, for $2 million in 1964 (about $19.3 million today). In two months' time, the couple were engaged and then married on St Patrick's Day in New York's Marble Collegiate Church in 1979. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), John Y. [48], Because he owed few favors to the state's established politicians, many of Brown's top appointees were businesspeople. They used to say, 'Behind every strong man there's a strong woman'. [69] In 2003, Patton renamed Kentucky Route 9 as the "John Y. Brown Jr./Spouse. Brown jr. was held at the state capital. 2023 www.courier-journal.com. "[73] However, when Beshear was reelected in 2011, Brown did serve as inauguration co-chair with the other former governors. John Y. Governor's Inauguration to be Frugal, Family-Friendly Celebration".