By Mallory Mattingly
“Patriotic Kenny,” a Navy veteran who took to social media to help other veterans and spread joy, died earlier this week. He was 84.
“The tears may never stop flowing. It is with the most indescribable sadness we share that Patriotic Kenny has passed,” a May 18 statement posted to his Instagram read. “He experienced the most profound love and was Earth’s bright light.”
“He passed surrounded by love and he was in peace. Any memorial contributions should go to his amazing nonprofit, the @patriotickennyfoundation, which will live on in his memory. We will share more as time goes on,” the statement concluded.
Due to a chronic lung condition, Kenny couldn’t walk for long distances and used a mobility scooter. In 2021, he met some of his neighbors, Amanda, Jenny and Jerry, Jenny’s dad. In August, Amanda and Kenny started the Patriotic Kenny TikTok. Millions of people quickly gravitated towards Kenny simply because of his joy.
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Then, when Kenny’s scooter broke, millions of people donated well over what was needed to get a new one. The generosity inspired the Patriotic Kenny Foundation, which gives away scooters to other vets.
Kenny’s foundation believes that “every individual, regardless of physical limitations, deserves the freedom to live a life of dignity and independence. Our goal is to provide for our veterans through mobility scooters, supporting mental and emotional well-being by eliminating isolation, and raising awareness of accessibility gaps in America. This trifecta ensures our veterans can navigate their world with confidence.”
Kenny had more than 3 million TikTok followers and 1 million Instagram followers at the time of his death. In March, he shared that he’d been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
“I’m home from the hospital and I feel a lot better — not bad at all,” he explained to his fans. “But also, I would like to tell you that I’ve got stage 4 lung cancer. So that’s the way it goes. I mean, we can’t live forever. But I love you all, fans.”
Following his passing, fans chimed in with their condolences and thanked Kenny for the joy he brought.
“The most beautiful person, I wish we could’ve met. Kenny you inspired so many and will be forever loved. Thank you for helping so many veterans. Sending love to your family,” social media influencer Samuel Weidenhofer wrote.
Country music singer Randy Travis commented, “Our memories and our time together will last for infinity. Kenny helped us all find that spark in life that once was buried. His enthusiasm and kindness was felt around the world. We are honored and blessed to have met Kenny…the stories and laughter will linger forever and ever, Amen.”
“Thank you for your service, your positivity, and the example you set for so many. We are so grateful for the good you brought the world. Fair winds and following seas, Kenny,” the USAA wrote.
Amanda Kline, who helped Kenny film his videos, said she and the Patriotic Kenny Foundation plan to continue Kenny’s mission.
“Two weeks before Kenny passed, he told our board [of] his strong desire and wish for his legacy to continue ending isolation in veterans through mobility scooters,” she wrote on Monday. “One of the last things I told him before he passed is that I’ll do everything I can to honor his wish. I meant it.”
Let’s keep Kenny’s family and friends in our prayers.
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