Draft:Abby Palmer Cox
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| Submission declined on 21 September 2025 by WeirdNAnnoyed (talk). The subject is clearly notable and I think the wording is not too promotional (it could be toned down at a couple of points but that is simple editing, not sufficient to decline the article). My concern is that the citation is nonstandard. Please use the reflist format for citations, rather than footnotes. Once that's corrected the article will be ready for mainspace. WeirdNAnnoyed (talk) 13:12, 21 September 2025 (UTC)
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Abby Palmer Cox | |
|---|---|
| First Lady of Utah | |
Current | |
| Assumed role January 4, 2021 | |
| Governor | Spencer Cox |
| Preceded by | Jeanette Herbert |
| Second Lady of Utah | |
| In role October 16, 2013 – January 4, 2021 | |
| Lieutenant Governor | Spencer Cox |
| Preceded by | JoLynn Bell |
| Succeeded by | Gabe Henderson (as second gentleman) |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Ken Palmer Charlene Palmer |
| Residence | Governor's Mansion |
| Education | Utah State University (BA) |
Abby Palmer Cox is an American educator, mental health advocate, and podcast host who has served as first lady of Utah since 2021, as the wife of Governor Spencer Cox.[1] She is known for her advocacy for children with special needs and for founding Show Up, a statewide initiative supporting social and emotional learning, foster care, Unified Sports, and volunteerism.[2][3][4][5]
Early life and education
[edit]Cox was born in Mount Pleasant, Utah, and raised on the Palmer family ranch as the fifth of ten children of Ken and Charlene Palmer.[1][2] Growing up amid economic challenges and her father’s health issues, she began managing much of the ranch at 14, overseeing sheep, cattle, haying, branding, and other farm work. Her mother later described her as naturally resourceful and determined.[5]
She attended North Sanpete High School and earned an associate degree from Snow College. Later, she completed a bachelor's degree in special education at Utah State University, with a dual emphasis in early childhood and severe disabilities.[1][2] Her interest in special education began in elementary school, when she befriended classmates with disabilities.[4][5]
Career
[edit]Before becoming first lady, Cox worked as an educator and took part in civic and charitable efforts, including PTA leadership, church youth programs, and services for people experiencing homelessness.[1][2] She also managed her family’s ranch, supported her husband’s business ventures and political activities, and raised their four children.[5]
First Lady of Utah (2021–present)
[edit]Cox launched Show Up in 2021. The initiative focuses on mental wellness for educators and students, foster care support, expanding Unified Sports in schools, and promoting volunteerism statewide.[2][3] By 2023, Show Up had organized more than 75 service projects and expanded Unified Sports participation from 30 to 200 schools.[4][5]
She hosts the First Lady and Friends podcast. Cox also celebrates educators through events like the annual Show Up for Teachers — Honors in Education Gala.[3][5][6]
In April 2024, Cox underwent surgery to remove degenerative disc in her neck at University of Utah Hospital. The surgery prompted Governor Spencer Cox to miss several public events, including a meeting with the International Olympic Committee and a ceremonial bill signing.[7][8] Cox later thanked Utahns and medical staff for their support during her recovery.[8]
Personal life
[edit]Cox married Spencer Cox in the late 1990s. The couple has four children: Gavin, Kaleb, Adam, and Emma Kate. They lived for years in Fairview, Utah, during Spencer’s tenure as lieutenant governor, commuting to Salt Lake City, and now primarily reside at the Utah Governor's Mansion.[1][2][4][5]
Cox volunteered as a gestational carrier for her sister-in-law.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Abby Cox". National Governors Association. Retrieved 2025-09-12.
- ^ a b c d e f "About | Utah First Lady, Abby Cox". firstlady.utah.gov. Retrieved 2025-09-12.
- ^ a b c "Abby Palmer Cox". Pathways to Resilience. Retrieved 2025-09-12.
- ^ a b c d "Gov. Spencer Cox & First Lady Abby Cox". Issuu. Retrieved 2025-09-12.
- ^ a b c d e f g h ideas, Meg WalterMeg is a staff writer who covers; Utah, culture in; beyond. (2023-02-28). "The compassion of Abby Cox". Deseret News. Retrieved 2025-09-12.
- ^ Swensen, Jason; July 10, Deseret News | Posted-; A.m, 2025 at 8:05. "First Lady Abby Cox to Utah educators: 'You are the definition of hope during difficult days'". www.ksl.com. Retrieved 2025-09-12.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Utah first lady Abby Cox undergoes spine surgery after weeks of 'debilitating pain' • Utah News Dispatch". Utah News Dispatch. Retrieved 2025-09-12.
- ^ a b Woodruff, Daniel (2024-04-10). "Utah's first lady, Abby Cox, begins recovery after spinal surgery". KSLTV.com. Retrieved 2025-09-12.