Greg Abbott mistakenly sends condolences to Jimmy Carter's dead wife

Texas Governor Greg Abbott mistakenly sent a message of condolences to Jimmy Carter's dead wife.

Why It Matters

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. Carter, the nation's 39th president, leaves behind a legacy of service and leadership.

What to Know

"Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the entire Carter family," the governor wrote.

Rosalynn Carter passed away in 2023 at the age of 96.

Two hours later, the governor's office issued a revised statement that did not mention the former first lady.

The statement has now been edited and reads: "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. Having led a life marked by selfless service to the American people, President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many.

"Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Carter family."

Newsweek contacted Abbott's office for comment via email outside of normal office hours.

Carter attended public school in his hometown before continuing his education at Georgia Southwestern college and the Georgia Institute of Technology. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and served as a U.S. Navy officer for seven years.

After completing his time at the academy, Carter married Rosalynn Smith, who later served as First Lady during his presidency. The couple had three sons and one daughter, and their 77-year marriage became the longest in presidential history.

Carter decided to pursue a career in politics in the early 1960s, when he was elected to the Georgia Senate. He launched his first gubernatorial campaign ahead of the 1966 election and lost, but went on to win his second bid for governor four years later, becoming the state's 76th elected leader and serving from January 1971 through January 1975.

After a short tenure overseeing the Democratic National Committee, Carter declared his candidacy for president in late 1974. He went on to defeat incumbent Republican Gerald Ford, securing 297 electoral votes to Ford's 240. Former Minnesota Senator Walter Mondale became vice president in the new Democratic administration.

Carter is credited with facilitating the Camp David Accords, a historic Middle East peace agreement, and securing the Panama Canal treaties and nuclear restrictions with the Soviet Union.

Domestically, he pursued deregulation in energy and transportation, promoted environmental protections, and established the U.S. Department of Education. However, his presidency is often defined by the Iran hostage crisis, which lasted over a year and affected his reelection bid, alongside domestic economic struggles.

Carter, who was the longest-living president in U.S. history, lost the 1980 election with 41 percent of the popular vote and just 49 electoral college votes. He was succeeded by Republican Ronald Reagan.

President Joe Biden said in a statement: "Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what's extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well."

"He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism. We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together," Biden said. "The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism."

President-elect Donald Trump posted a tribute to Carter on Truth Social:

"Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History," Trump wrote.

"The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

"Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time," he added. "We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers."

What Happens Next

Biden said in a statement on Sunday that he "will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C."

Information about the public observances will be shared in the coming days.

"The final arrangements for President Carter's state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending," the Carter Center said in a statement.