Utah First Lady Abby Cox debuted a new children's book, "Jennie Makes Room," on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, honoring the life and philanthropic legacy of Jennie Judge Kearns. During a launch event held in the Utah Governor's Mansion ballroom, Cox read the book to students from Kearns-Saint Ann School to highlight Kearns' historical contributions to the state.
Telling the Story of Jennie Kearns
The book, illustrated by Matt Loveridge, tells the story of Jennie Kearns, who grew wealthy alongside her husband, Senator Thomas Kearns, from the Silver King mine in Park City during the late 19th century. Cox noted that she chose Loveridge for the illustrations because of the specific quality of his work. The artwork includes various "Easter eggs" and hidden references to the governor's mansion, such as patterns found on the floor and ceiling, as well as an original painting that Kearns had previously purchased in France and brought back to Utah.
Overcoming Personal Tragedy
During the interactive reading session, Cox used props and student helpers to bring the history to life. The narrative follows Kearns' life from her marriage to Thomas and her acquisition of wealth through the challenges she faced, including the death of her newborn daughter, Mary. Cox remarked that despite personal tragedies, Kearns continued to focus on serving others, asking herself how she could help and welcome everyone. "She was sad herself, and she still looked out and tried to serve others," Cox said during the event.
A Legacy of Philanthropy
The book's subject, Jennie Kearns, left a significant mark on Utah's social and civic landscape. She funded an orphanage in 1898, which eventually became the Kearns-Saint Ann Catholic School. In 1937, she donated her South Temple mansion to the state of Utah to serve as the residence for the state's governors. Additionally, Kearns provided financial support for the construction of the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
A Lasting Educational Impact
Dominique Kearns McCarthey Aragon, the principal of Kearns-St. Ann Catholic School and the great-great-granddaughter of Jennie Kearns, spoke during the launch. Aragon noted that the school works to keep the memory of Kearns alive through classroom instruction, Founder's Day, and various paintings. She observed that the students are not merely visiting the mansion, but are walking through the home built by the family whose generosity made their school possible. Aragon stated that Kearns believed children deserve to be cared for, loved, and educated to provide them with a better future.
Calls to Community Service
The launch event included messages of service from other leaders. Governor Spencer Cox invited the students to emulate Kearns by thinking about how they can help others during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. The Rev. John S. Evans, vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, also encouraged the students to serve others, crediting Kearns with helping many children by providing them with a warm bed, a warm meal, and a full life through her funding of the orphanage.
Supporting Mansion Preservation
The proceeds from the sales of "Jennie Makes Room" will be directed to the Mansion Foundation. According to Cox, these funds will be used to maintain the beauty of the governor's mansion and ensure the historic site is preserved for future generations. The First Lady noted that the themes of the book intersect with her own public initiatives, which focus on service, unified sports, educator wellness, and foster care.
