Tributes are pouring in after a beloved TikTok star and Navy veteran passed away at the age of 84.
Kenny Jary, who was affectionately known as Patriotic Kenny, had been suffering from stage 4 lung cancer, having announced the news in March (per CBS).
Jary had built a combined following of over 4 million followers on social media, with 3.3 million on his TikTok account, and almost one million on his Instagram account.
Rather heartbreakingly, just six days ago on May 13, one of Jary’s posts was captioned, “We are never promised tomorrow.” It’s a notion that couldn’t be more poignant now.
Jary was known for his love of life and making his followers happy with his upbeat posts, in which he was always smiling, despite his physical issues.
In the pinned post on both his TikTok and Instagram accounts, it is explained that a chronic lung condition meant he had been confined to a wheelchair for some time. Moreover, it explains that, after meeting his neighbors, Jenny and Amanda, in 2021, Jenny helped him start his social media accounts. The name “Patriotic Kenny” was, therefore, created as a name for his accounts, thanks to his time serving in the United States Navy.
His passing was announced on both his TikTok and Instagram accounts.
Patriotic Kenny’s TikTok Followers Paid Tribute to Him
A 155-second video was posted to Patriotic Kenny’s TikTok account announcing his sad passing late on Monday, May 18.
It features lots of footage of Kenny. Some of the footage shows him enjoying the beach, traveling on public transport, and interacting lovingly with dogs.
The post is captioned, “The tears may never stop flowing. It is with the most indescribable sadness we share that Patriotic Kenny has passed. 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 Patriotic Kenny Foundation. We will share more as time goes on. #patriotickenny #patriotickennyfoundation”
His followers paid their respects en masse.
The official GoFundMe TikTok account responded, saying, “We are heartbroken, and sending so much love. Kenny was such a bright light, and that light will continue to shine through the Patriotic Kenny Foundation. Sending so much 💚 to his friends, family, all of you, and of course, the incredible Amanda. Oh my goodness. 💔🤍💙”
One of Jary’s followers commented, “You guys gave him the most incredible last years of his life which isn’t something everyone gets. Thank you for taking us on this journey with Kenny.”
Additionally, someone else said, “Nooooooo this has to be fake.”
Finally, another user noted, “I feel like I just lost my grandpa.”
Kenny’s Instagram Followers Followed Suit
When the same post announcing Patriotic Kenny’s passing was published on Instagram, his followers there paid tribute to him, too.
One Instagram user said, “The earth has lost an incredibly bright light. May his soul rest in peace and may his memory always be a blessing to everyone who knew him. 💛”
Someone else commented, “Kenny was such a bright light in this world. He was the best of this country. Everything I aspire to be.”
Additionally, another person wrote, “Sending you all so much love. Thank you for sharing him with us. ❤️🤍💙”
Finally, one individual noted, “I am so sorry. Love and condolences to his loved ones. He was such a light and thank you for getting his story out to the world.”
We’d like to send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the wonderful Kenny Jary, aka Patriotic Kenny. May he rest in eternal peace.
