Abby Palmer Cox became the first lady of Utah when her husband Spencer J. Cox was sworn in as governor on January 4th, 2021. She and Gov. Cox, her high school sweetheart, have been married for 25 years.

Born and raised in the small rural town of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Abby grew up on the Palmer family farm where the values of hard work and grit were a way of life. Abby is the fifth of eight daughters and two sons of her loving parents, Ken and Charlene Palmer.

Both she and Spencer graduated from North Sanpete High School and Snow College, and he willingly followed her to Utah State University where she earned her degree in Special Education with a dual emphasis in Early Childhood and Severe Disabilities while he pursued a degree in Political Science. 

Throughout their seven years as lieutenant governor and until their election as governor in 2020, The Coxes lived in Fairview, a town of about 1,200 residents, located two hours south of Utah’s population center. 

As Utah’s first lady, Abby hopes to inspire Utahns to break down the barriers that separate people from treating one another as equals. She is an outspoken advocate for “getting proximate”, connecting through our differences, and combating the empathy crisis our country is facing. Specifically, she will use her platform to convene, contribute and champion projects related to social and emotional learning, statewide service, foster care awareness and sporting opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities. 

Abby has always been active in her community through involvement in PTA, church youth groups and service to the homeless. Abby enjoys horses, reading, music, hiking, running and being active in the great outdoors with her family. She and Gov. Cox are the proud parents of four children — Gavin, Kaleb, Adam and EmmaKate.