First Lady Abby Palmer Cox has been married to Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox for the past 24 years.

Born in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Abby grew up on a family farm — the fifth of eight daughters and two sons of Ken and Charlene Palmer — where she learned the values of hard work and collaboration. Both she and Spencer graduated from North Sanpete High School, Snow College and Utah State University. Abby earned her degree in Special Education with a dual emphasis in Early Childhood and Severe Disabilities, and she is a dedicated advocate for children with special needs.

Throughout his time as lieutenant governor and until his election as governor in 2020, Gov. Cox and Abby lived in Fairview, a small town of about 1,200 residents located about two hours south of Salt Lake City in the middle of the state. Abby has always been active in her community through involvement in PTA, church youth groups and service to the homeless. In addition, she has supported her husband as he served as a city councilman and mayor of Fairview, as a Sanpete County Commissioner, as a state House Representative and as lieutenant governor.

Gov. Cox and Abby are proud parents of four children — three sons, Gavin, Kaleb and Adam; and daughter, EmmaKate. Abby enjoys horses, reading, music, hiking, running and being active in the great outdoors with her family.