Utah first lady Abby Cox undergoes spine surgery after weeks of ‘debilitating pain’

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s absence from an event to welcome the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission in Salt Lake City immediately raised questions Wednesday, with his staff saying he missed the meeting because of a “family emergency.” 

Later Wednesday afternoon, Cox’s office issued a statement that the governor’s wife, first lady Abby Cox, underwent spine surgery at University of Utah Hospital to remove degenerative discs in her neck after “weeks of debilitating pain.” 

“The first family is grateful to the surgeons, doctors and staff at the University of Utah for their attention and care, and appreciates the prayers and support from so many Utahns,” the governor’s chief of staff Jon Pierpont said in a prepared statement. “The first lady looks forward to a speedy recovery and resuming her duties soon.”

No other details about the first lady’s condition were immediately made available. 

Soon after the announcement, Gov. Spencer Cox posted on social media to share his gratitude for support of his family, as well as the University of Utah Hospital’s medical staff. 

“It’s been a rough few weeks at our house,” Cox posted on X. “Abby and I feel terrible that we’ve had to miss some important events, but we feel so blessed for your prayers and support. We are lucky to have such skilled surgeons and amazing staff here at the U.” 

It’s been a rough few weeks at our house. Abby and I feel terrible that we’ve had to miss some important events, but we feel so blessed for your prayers and support. We are lucky to have such skilled surgeons and amazing staff here at the U. https://t.co/gWMmNd7xnn

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) April 10, 2024

In the governor’s absence, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson attended Wednesday’s event at the University of Utah’s Rice Eccles Stadium where state and local officials welcomed members of the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission. During the meeting, city and state representatives presented their vision for a 2034 Winter Games hosted in Salt Lake City.

Henderson also attended a ceremonial bill signing at the University of Utah’s Bennion Center to highlight bills passed by the 2024 Utah Legislature that will benefit future generations. That event was live streamed on the governor’s Facebook page.