Kenny Jary, a social media influencer and U.S. Navy veteran, has died at the age of 84. Popularly known as “Patriotic Kenny,” he built a social media following of more than 4 million across Instagram and TikTok, sharing uplifting messages and riding his iconic electric scooter with a spirit of positivity, patriotism, and dedication to helping fellow veterans.He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer earlier in 2026 and passed away after battling the disease. Despite the diagnosis, he told fans and followers he planned to continue making videos, determined to share his positivity until the end.The news of Kenny’s passing was shared on Monday (May 18, 2026) on his TikTok account with a message reading, "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," the statement further read. Kenny established the Patriotic Kenny Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans regain independence by providing mobility aids and electric scooters.Kenny first gained attention in 2021 when a neighbor helped him raise funds to replace his broken mobility scooter, a moment that went viral and brought him into the spotlight. His sincerity and upbeat personality resonated with viewers, helping him grow to millions of TikTok followers. He later turned that online fame into a mission, using his platform to provide mobility equipment for veterans in need through his nonprofit.Kenny Jary: Navy veteran to social media starKenny Jary was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked in construction after high school before enlisting in the US Navy in 1959. He served until 1965, including duty aboard the USS Okinawa during the Cuban Missile Crisis as part of a refueling squadron, according to Patriotic Kenny Foundation. After leaving the Navy, he began a long career with Ford Motor Company in St. Paul, working in various roles until retiring after 32 years.In 2021, when his mobility scooter broke down, a neighbor helped raise funds on TikTok, sparking a viral moment that led to widespread support. With the donations, Kenny not only replaced his scooter but also began giving scooters to fellow veterans.ALSO READ: ‘Patriotic Kenny’ dies at 84: How did TikTok star and US Navy veteran with over 4 million social media followers die? Check cause of deathThrough this journey, he became known as “Patriotic Kenny,” celebrated for his love of America and its servicemen and women. He later established the Patriotic Kenny Foundation, where he served as president, dedicated to providing mobility aids and scooters to veterans in need.