Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Justus Kelley Makes History as First Mother Crowned Miss USA
Justus Kelley is a 31-year-old woman from Virginia.
She won the Miss USA 2026 competition in Miami.
This was special because she is the first mother and married woman to win the title.
The pageant changed its rules in 2023 so mothers and married women could compete.
Kelley studied at Indiana University and works for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
She and her husband are foster parents who have welcomed children into their home.
Kelley also started an organization called Foster Footprints.
Next, she will compete for the United States at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico.
Justus Kelley, 31, was crowned Miss USA 2026 in Miami on August 27.
She became the first mother and married woman to win the Miss USA title.
The pageant removed restrictions on married women, mothers, and age in 2023.
Kelley works as a senior philanthropic adviser at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and founded Foster Footprints.
She will represent the United States at Miss Universe in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November.
- Who
- Justus Kelley, Miss Virginia USA 2026, won the national title.
- What
- She became Miss USA 2026 and the first mother and married woman to win the title.
- When
- She was crowned on Thursday, August 27; Miss Universe is scheduled for November.
- Where
- The Miss USA competition took place in Miami, and Miss Universe will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Why
- Her historic win was possible after Miss USA changed its eligibility rules in 2023.
- Age
- 31
- Title
- Miss USA 2026
- Historic distinction
- First mother and married woman to win Miss USA
- Hometown
- Arlington, Virginia
- Occupation
- Senior philanthropic adviser at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Organization founded
- Foster Footprints
- Next competition
- Miss Universe in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in November