Meet the first lady of Kentucky, Britainy Beshear: her husband Andy Beshear was in the spotlight as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris, and she supports Dolly Parton’s reading programme

Dec 24 , 2024

Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear (left) and his spouse Britainy Beshear entered the national spotlight during the 2024 US presidential race. Photo: AFP

The wife of Kentucky governor – and Donald Trump and J.D. Vance critic – Andy Beshear, the mother of 2 and ordained deacon is also a dedicated volunteer worker

She’s been the first lady of Kentucky since 2019 and this year all eyes were on her family, after her husband’s name was thrown into the ring as a potential running mate for Democrat Kamala Harris in the November US presidential election.

Britainy Beshear, wife of Kentucky governor Andy, has dedicated her life to volunteer work and serving her community.

Britainy Beshear is a supporter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programme. Photo: @britainybeshear/Instagram

Although her husband’s powerful political ascent has never been in doubt, Britainy has moved from a behind-the-scenes role to embracing the spotlight. Just weeks before the US election, Andy made headlines for his tough stance against Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, criticising their refusal to acknowledge that Trump lost the 2020 election.

Britainy is married to Kentucky governor Andy Beshear. Photo: @britainybeshear/Instagram

Back home, Britainy, 45, is working on education and Kentucky family matters – core interests for her remaining period as first lady, following Andy’s re-election last year. Here’s what you need to know about Britainy’s work and how she remains determined to hit her goals.

First, who is Andy Beshear?

Kentucky governor Andy Beshear pictured in Frankfort, Kentucky, in September. Photo: AP

Andy Beshear’s name was catapulted into global headlines after he was named one of Kamala Harris’ possible running mates before the election. Although she finally chose Tim Walz, Beshear’s political career has been elevated by his potential inclusion.

The two-term Kentucky governor grew up in politics: his father Steve was state governor from 2007 to 2015. In an interview with the Herald Leader in July, Andy said his political fate was always clear: “Dad and I are really close, as you can tell. I always say I’ve got two jobs – to be the best governor I can be, and to be the best Gov. Beshear.”

Covid heightened Britainy Beshear’s profile

Britainy Beshear with husband Andy and singer-songwriter Dolly Parton in August. Photo: @britainybeshear/Instagram

Although her husband has been governor since 2019, having previously been the attorney general of Kentucky, it wasn’t until the Covid-19 pandemic that Britainy’s profile became more public. According to Spectrum News, she had focused on behind the scenes work, choosing to remain out of the spotlight. But in an effort to help families during the crisis, Britainy said she offered an inside look into her private life. “It just seemed like a really great time to maybe offer a little bit more of a glimpse into my family and talk to the mums out there, and you know, put our heads together and come up with some fun things we can do with our kids, while we are healthy at home,” she said.