Kenny Law, Beloved ‘Moonshiners’ Star, Passes Away at 68 Surrounded by Loved Ones

The Moonshiners community and its fans are mourning the loss of Everett Kenneth “Kenny” Law, a cherished figure on the Discovery Channel’s long-running docuseries, who passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 68. Known for his deep-rooted connection to Virginia’s moonshining tradition and his role as co-owner of Law’s Choice Distillery, Kenny’s death has left a void in the hearts of viewers and those who knew him. His family announced the news on January 15 via a heartfelt Facebook post from the distillery, stating that Kenny passed away “peacefully” and “surrounded by loved ones.” While the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed, his legacy as a third-generation distiller and a beloved television personality endures, celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.

A Peaceful Passing Amidst Family

According to the official Facebook page for Law’s Choice Distillery, Kenny Law’s passing was serene, with loved ones by his side at a local hospital in Franklin County, Virginia. The statement read, “With sorrow, we announce that Everett ‘Kenny’ Law passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. 🕊️ We will share his obituary as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone so far for the outpouring of love, support and prayers.” The absence of an official cause of death has led to speculation that Kenny may have been battling an illness, given the presence of family at his bedside, but no confirmed details have been released. His cousin and business partner, Henry Lee Law, later shared with TMZ that Kenny had faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including heart problems, diabetes, and a blood infection that led to his hospitalization in the weeks prior to his death. “Kenny’s body just wore out after fighting both the infection and his underlying conditions,” Henry noted, painting a picture of a man who faced significant health battles in his final days.

The announcement prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, who flooded online platforms with tributes. One fan wrote on the distillery’s online guestbook, “Didn’t personally know Kenny but I do watch Moonshiners and really loved Kenny. Seemed like an honest, humble good ol’ country boy. Kenny will be missed by all.” Another viewer echoed, “Very sorry to hear that Moonshiner Kenny Law passed away yesterday. His presence on Moonshiners will be sorely missed,” reflecting the deep connection viewers felt with Kenny’s authentic, down-to-earth persona.

A Legacy Rooted in Moonshining Tradition

Kenny Law was more than a television personality; he was a third-generation moonshiner carrying forward a family legacy deeply entrenched in Franklin County, Virginia, known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World.” Alongside his cousin Henry Lee Law, Kenny co-owned and operated Law’s Choice Distillery, a legal moonshine operation that transformed their family’s illicit past into a legitimate business. The distillery’s website traces their roots to 1952, when 16-year-old Amos Law, Henry’s father, began moonshining, eventually becoming a “kingpin” with distribution networks along the East Coast by the 1970s. Kenny and Henry learned the craft under Amos’s guidance, with Kenny once boasting to WFXR in 2020, “Back in the heyday, me and him, we made about as much liquor as anybody in the country or more I would say.” Henry confirmed they produced up to 47,000 gallons annually, a testament to their prowess in the trade.

Though not a main cast member, Kenny joined Moonshiners in its eighth season, bringing his expertise and colorful personality to the series, which has aired for 14 seasons since 2011. The show chronicles Appalachian distillers preserving a 200-year-old tradition, often navigating the legal gray areas of moonshine production. Kenny’s segments highlighted his skill and the camaraderie he shared with Henry, whom fans often mistook for his brother due to their close bond. His obituary described him as “a true outlaw – rebellious, fun-loving, charming, and tough as nails, yet soft-hearted toward those he loved,” a characterization that resonated with viewers who admired his authenticity.

A Life Beyond the Still

Beyond moonshining, Kenny’s life was marked by resilience and diverse pursuits. Born on December 8, 1956, in Rocky Mount, Virginia, to Everett “Peanut” Law and Norma Jean Divers, he graduated from Franklin County High School in 1975. A 1977 propane explosion during an indoor moonshining operation left him badly burned, requiring months of recovery at UVA Hospital, yet he returned to his “outlaw ways” with remarkable tenacity. In the 1980s, he founded Law’s Roofing Company, which he ran for two decades, and in the 1990s, he donated time and materials to Habitat for Humanity, showcasing his generosity. His love for “picking” antiques and restoring them was a favorite hobby, but his proudest accomplishment was his daughter, Kenzie, whom he called his “pride and joy.” Kenny is survived by Kenzie and her husband, Nathan Wright, grandsons Atlas and Fox, brothers David and Ronnie Law, cousin Henry, and many extended family members.

Tributes from the Moonshiners Community

The Moonshiners cast and crew joined fans in honoring Kenny’s memory. The official Moonshiners Facebook page posted, “We’re deeply saddened about Kenny Law’s passing. He was a treasured member of our Moonshiners community since season eight. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Shine on, Kenny.” Castmate Amanda Bryant shared a touching tribute on Instagram, writing, “Last Night we lost a True Moonshine Legend Kenny Law. You will be dearly missed, it was an Honor to know you and call you my friend. Rest Easy Big Guy. Prayers for the whole Law family in this time.” Another cast member, Steve Tickle, added, “It pains me deeply to say that Kenny Law has passed onto his reward,” reflecting the profound impact Kenny had on those around him.

A Lasting Legacy

Kenny’s funeral arrangements included a visitation on January 17, 2025, at Flora Funeral Service in Rocky Mount, followed by a service on January 18 at Flora Funeral Chapel, with interment at Henry Fork Church Cemetery. His daughter, Kenzie, cautioned fans about scams claiming to livestream the funeral, emphasizing the family’s desire for privacy during their grief. As Moonshiners continues to air, Kenny’s contributions to the show and his family’s storied distilling legacy will remain a vibrant part of its narrative. His life, marked by resilience, humor, and a deep love for his craft and family, ensures that he will “shine on” in the hearts of those who knew him through the screen and beyond.