Senator McConnell cites ongoing recovery from fall, skips Kentucky Fancy Farm Picnic

Sen. Mitch McConnell announced that he is continuing to recover from a fall that required hospitalization and will miss the Fancy Farm Picnic, one of Kentucky's largest political gatherings, scheduled for the first Saturday in August. In a statement, the Kentucky Republican said he is "working hard to get back to my full schedule of work in the Senate and in Kentucky, keeping up with intense physical therapy per my doctors’ orders," and shared a recent photo of himself with his wife, Elaine.

McConnell expressed regret over his absence, noting his long-standing connection to the event, which he first attended 42 years ago. He sent best wishes to the St. Jerome community and said he looks forward to returning to his Senate duties and to Kentucky soon.

A statement from his physician indicated that doctors visit the senator daily to monitor his rehabilitation. The statement said that since his discharge, McConnell has been following a rigorous physical-therapy regimen, including multiple daily sessions aimed at rebuilding strength and reducing the risk of future falls. His history of childhood polio remains a factor in his mobility, and he has not yet been cleared to leave the rehabilitation facility or resume office work.