Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Offers Condolences To Jimmy Carter’s Wife Rosalynn – Who Died In 2023

Texas Governor Greg Abbott mistakenly extended sympathy to the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter—who passed away more than a year ago—in a statement Monday while paying tribute to her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday.

Carter died in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family at the age of 100 after various health setbacks in recent years, including melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. Despite those challenges, he reached his centenarian milestone, and upon his death statements rolled in commending him as a dedicated statesman who championed peace, humanitarian efforts, and a commitment to democratic principles.

Shortly after news of the former president’s death broke, however, Abbott’s office released a statement commending Carter’s contributions:

Cecilia and I mourn the loss of former President Jimmy Carter alongside millions of Americans across the country. Our nation remains the greatest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world because of our fearless chief executives who are our guiding force through the best and worst of times. For that, we owe President Carter our enduring gratitude for his service as the 39th President of the United States.

However, the statement took an unexpected turn when Abbott added: “Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the entire Carter family.”

Awkwardly for Abbott, the former first lady died in November 2023 at age 96. The comment sparked immediate confusion among observers and media outlets.

After Texas Democrats took to social media to mock the governor’s mistake, Abbott’s office amended and reissued the statement on X, removing the reference to Rosalynn Carter.