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History-making Miss USA Reveals Unconventional Pageant Prep
WHY IT MATTERS
Kelley's victory represents a shift in the pageant's inclusivity and challenges traditional expectations of women's roles, allowing mothers and wives to pursue their ambitions without sacrificing their family life.
What happened
Justus Kelley made history as the first married mother to win Miss USA, succeeding last year's winner Audrey Eckert. Kelley, a 31-year-old foster mom of two, credits her unconventional pageant prep to her family's support. She worked out during her children's nap time, practiced interview questions while feeding her toddler, and focused on core exercises at home.
Kelley's husband, a consultant, was a huge supporter, calling himself her 'pageant consultant. ' The Miss USA pageant began in 1952, and Kelley's victory comes after the organization opened the competition to married women and mothers in 2023. Kelley's prize package includes a $150,000 salary, a Range Rover, and a $30,000 Miss Universe wardrobe.
She aims to challenge the idea that women must choose between their families, careers, and personal dreams, saying, 'You don't have to choose one part of who you are. '
PRIMARY SOURCES
History-making Miss USA reveals how she got swimsuit-ready while raising 2 young kids
Fox News · Discovery only; publisher copyright terms apply
CORRECTIONS & UPDATES
- Revision 1 · Initial ingestion · Sep 19, 2026, 4:15 PM
- Revision 2 · Source update detected · Sep 19, 2026, 4:15 PM
- Revision 3 · Source update detected · Sep 19, 2026, 4:15 PM