1987 Ford Thunderbird 1987 Ford T-Bird wont stay running

1987 Ford Thunderbird 6 cyl

Hello everyone reading this. This is my first post on this forum and have a question. Tryin' to fix a 1987 thunderbird has a 3.8 l v6 and it starts and runs only when the key is turned forward in the start position, and the starter is engaging. When the key is relaxed and in the normally running position it dies immediately. I seem to think that maybe my ignition is toast, but I was hoping to get some insight into the issue before I continue to pull it apart. Any ideas? Thanks.