Former East Baton Rouge Mayor-President, lawmaker and reporter Kip Holden died today at age 72 after a lengthy illness. Holden started as a reporter before serving on the Metro Council, in the State House, and Senate. Former Lt. Governor and State Lawmaker Jay Dardenne remembers serving in the legislature with Holden.
“I think anybody who’ll remember Kip as mayor and as a legislator will always remember his infectious smile. He was always smiling. He was the kind of elected officials who worked with everybody,” Dardenne said.
In 2005, he became the first African American Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, holding the position for three terms until 2016. Dardenne says Holden loved people and was passionate about what he believed in.
“But he also recognized that he needed to work with everybody to get things done. And for that reason, I think people will have very fond memories of him, both as a politician and as a person,” Dardenne said.
Dardenne says he will never forget one thing about Holden, and that’s his outfits.
“His colorful suits and ties, and the way he dressed and the way he comported himself. That kind of made him a very flashy character,” Dardenne recalled.
He is survived by his wife Lois, five children, and two sisters.
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