The United States has chosen its champion for the Miss Universe beauty pageant in November and for the first time ever, the winner is a married woman with kids.
Justus Kelley of Virginia took home the crown in a televised ceremony on Friday. The 31-year-old is also the oldest-ever winner of the competition. Last year’s winner, Audrey Eckert, crowned her successor.
Just a few years ago, a contestant like Kelley would have been barred from entering the race due to rules disqualifying contestants who are married and have children. There was also a stringent age limit; contestants had to be between 18 and 28 years of age.
The rules against married women and mothers were amended in 2023 and the age limit was scrapped in 2024.
Kelley is a licensed foster parent along with her husband Tyler and they are currently fostering a baby boy and his sister in their home.
