Justus Kelley Wins Miss USA 2026 at 31 as First Married Mother Crowned

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 19

Justus Kelley, 31, was crowned Miss USA 2026 in Miami on Aug. 27, becoming the first married woman and first mother to win the title.
A 2023 rule change opened the pageant to married women and mothers, reversing standards that once barred them; 1957 winner Mary Leona Gage lost her crown after organizers learned she was married with children.
Kelley, Miss Virginia USA 2026 and a foster mother of two, said she trained around parenting duties—practicing interviews while feeding a toddler and fitting workouts into nap time and late nights.
Her prize package is valued at more than $685,000, including a $150,000 salary, a Range Rover, a luxury Miami apartment lease and a Miss Universe wardrobe.
Kelley said she wants her reign to challenge the idea that women must choose between family and ambition, while also raising awareness about providing loving homes for foster children.