Kay Ivey Set to Deliver Final State of the State Address Tuesday

MONTGOMERY - Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will deliver her final State of the State address Tuesday evening, marking the ceremonial start of the 2026 legislative session and offering what is expected to be a forward‑looking reflection on her nine years in office.

The speech, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Alabama State Capitol, will highlight stories of service, education, and community resilience - themes Ivey has emphasized throughout her tenure. According to reporting from al.com, ABC 33/40, and Rocket City Now, the governor plans to recognize several Alabamians whose work she says "represents the very best of our state."

Spotlighting Service and Community Leadership

One of Ivey's honored guests will be Rodney Smith Jr., the Huntsville native who founded Raising Men and Raising Women Lawn Care Service, a volunteer effort that provides free lawn care to the elderly, disabled, veterans, and single parents. Smith's organization, which began as a small act of kindness while he was a student at Alabama A&M, has grown into a nationwide service movement. Ivey will highlight his work as an example of civic responsibility and patriotism as Alabama approaches the nation's 250th birthday.

"These special guests represent the very best of our state," Ivey said in a statement released Monday. "Good things are happening across our 67 counties, and these guests help tell our success story in Alabama."

Education Success Stories Take Center Stage

Students from Booker T. Washington K‑8 School in Birmingham - one of the schools participating in Ivey's Turnaround Schools Initiative - will also be recognized. The governor's office says the students' progress demonstrates how "sustained focus and proven strategies are delivering results in classrooms once written off."

The Montgomery Academy Chamber Chorus, led by Dr. Damion Womack, will perform before the address and will be acknowledged during the speech as well.

A Legacy‑Defining Moment

Ivey, Alabama's longest‑serving femaie governor, enters this address with a legacy shaped by economic development, education reform, infrastructure investment, and a steady, traditionalist approach to governance. First sworn in on April 10, 2017, she went on to win full terms in 2018 and 2022, becoming one of the most durable political figures in modern Alabama history.

Her final State of the State speech is expected to outline:

- Legislative priorities for the 2026 session

- Continued investment in education and workforce development

- Infrastructure and economic competitiveness

- Public safety and community resilience

- A reflection on her administration's accomplishments and challenges

While the governor's office has not released the full text of the speech, the selection of guests signals a focus on service, student achievement, and the idea that Alabama's progress is rooted in everyday citizens.

Looking Ahead

Lawmakers will convene at noon Tuesday to begin the legislative session, with Ivey's address serving as the traditional kickoff. With this being her final year in office, political observers expect a tone that blends gratitude, legacy‑building, and a call for continued momentum.

For Alabama families, educators, and local leaders, the speech will offer a roadmap for the year ahead - and a closing chapter for one of the state's most influential governors.