Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has officially resigned from office and Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey will be sworn in to take his place at 6 p.m.
The governor in a speech shortly after 5 p.m. said, “The time has come for me to look for new ways to serve the great people of our state. I’ve decided it’s time to step down as governor.”
Bentley said that although he would be leaving his office today, his administration would be working with Kay Ivey’s administration to provide any assistance needed for a smooth transition.
“Thank you, goodbye, and I love this state from the bottom of my heart,” Bentley concluded.