Texas Gov. Greg Abbott mourned the death of former President Jimmy Carter by sending thoughts and prayers to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who’s been dead for more than a year.
“Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the entire Carter family,” a statement from the governor and his wife issued Sunday read, according to Texas station WFAA.
The 39th president of the United States died Sunday in Georgia. He celebrated his 100th birthday in October. His wife of 77 years died in November 2023. She was 96.
Abbott later issued a statement on X offering condolences to “the entire Carter family” with no mention of the former First Lady.
“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,” the amended statement reads in part.
Carter died in Plains, Ga., where he was born on Oct. 1, 1924. He’d been under home hospice care since Feb. 18, 2023.
Carter served one term in the White House that ended in 1981. The rest of his life would be dedicated to public service that included building houses for the poor.
He also authored 32 books and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. No president lived longer or enjoyed a longer ex-presidency. Carter told family members over the summer that it was his goal to live long enough to vote one more time in November, which he did.