diff --git a/wp-includes/class-wp-theme.php b/wp-includes/class-wp-theme.php
index 606975c850..75d029d805 100644
--- a/wp-includes/class-wp-theme.php
+++ b/wp-includes/class-wp-theme.php
@@ -541,7 +541,7 @@ final class WP_Theme implements ArrayAccess {
 		switch ( $header ) {
 			case 'Status' :
 				if ( ! $value ) {
-					$value = 'public';
+					$value = 'publish';
 					break;
 				}
 				// Fall through otherwise.