The former second lady's absence comes just days after she declined to shake hands with Donald and Melania Trump at Jimmy Carter's funeral

Karen Pence has been criticized for not showing up at Donald Trump's inauguration, leaving her husband Mike to emerge on his own at the high-profile event

Mrs. Pence, who has reportedly always despised Mr. Trump, snubbed the 47th president in the recent past. Just weeks ago, at President Carter’s state funeral, Mrs. Pence refused to get up from her seat and shake Mr. Trump’s hand. She did not even acknowledge his presence, choosing instead to look down and read the funeral program.

Mike Pence watched his replacement, J.D. Vance, take the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Jan. 20, eight years after standing in the same position. Karen Pence skipped the service

"This is a day when every American does well to celebrate our democracy and the peaceful transfer of power," Pence wrote.

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was booed when he arrived at the Capitol Rotunda ahead of the swearing-in ceremony for President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.