A Navy veteran who became a renowned TikTok star in his twilight years has died aged 84. Kenny Jary, known as Patriotic Kenny, who boasted 4 million followers across his social media platforms, died two months after announcing his diagnosis with Stage 4 lung cancer.
Announcement of His Passing
An announcement read: '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.'
An additional post from his friend Amanda Kline read: 'I know your heart is breaking over the news of Kenny's passing. I carry the weight of your grief on top of my own. I am so sorry for your loss. Kenny's videos comforted so many of you in really, really dark times of your lives. You've been vulnerable and have opened up to us about those moments.'
His Nonprofit Work
The post asked followers to contribute to Jary's nonprofit, the Patriotic Kenny Foundation, which empowers veterans and people with mobility challenges to regain their independence through access to life-changing support and resources. The foundation was borne out of Jary's own mobility challenges as he aged, with Jary regaining independence through the use of a mobility scooter and his love for social media.
He became known for his electric scooter adorned with American flags, his love of Spam, and his positive social media messages. After followers fundraised for Jary to get a new scooter, he used the extra money to gift 50 scooters to fellow veterans.
Cancer Diagnosis and Fundraising
A GoFundMe launched to pay for the Minnesota native's care and enable him to stay at home during cancer treatment reached an incredible $333,963. Per the site, Jary was 'diagnosed with stage IV metastatic lung cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes and lightly on his spine. His oxygen levels fluctuate, his strength is limited, and he now requires significant daily support.'
When he was told the diagnosis, his response was typically upbeat, saying: 'I could say it's not fair, but what's not fair is that so many people will never experience the amazing life I've had the last five years.'
Impact of Social Media
Jary previously lauded the TikTok community for helping him through his struggles with loneliness. He said: 'It made me into a different person. It hits me so hard, I just got to break down and cry like I am now, because that's what these nice people throughout the world have done for me.'
