Justus Kelley just made Miss USA history. The 31-year-old from Virginia won the 75th Miss USA pageant in Miami on August 27, becoming the first mother and first married woman to ever hold the title. It’s a milestone that took 75 years to reach, and it only became possible when the pageant opened to married women and mothers in 2023.
What makes the win even more impressive is how Kelley trained. As a foster mom of two, she prepped during nap times, late nights, and after the bath and bed routine, squeezing workouts into a living room while her husband and family supported her. Her message after the win says it all:“You don’t have to choose one part of who you are. You can be all of who you are.”
The history behind this moment adds another layer. In 1957, Mary Leona Gage was stripped of the Miss USA title after organizers learned she was married with children. Nearly seven decades later, a mom and wife is the one wearing the crown. Kelley’s prize package is valued at over $685,000, including a $150,000 salary and a Range Rover, but the bigger takeaway might be what her win says about whose dreams get center stage. What’s the biggest goal you’ve chased while juggling family or work?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.