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Justus Kelley has made history as the first married mother to win the Miss USA title, achieving this milestone through a uniquely determined approach.
The 31-year-old, who held the Miss Virginia USA 2026 crown, was crowned Miss USA during the 75th national pageant held on August 27 in Miami. This year marked a significant shift for the competition, which began allowing married women and mothers to participate starting in 2023. Kelley succeeded last year’s winner, Audrey Eckert, who was 24.
Reflecting on her preparation, Kelley shared with Fox News Digital how balancing motherhood and pageant training required creativity. “My pageant prep looked different,” she said.
“I couldn’t dedicate the same amount of time as before. Their nap time was my prep time.
I did walking classes with my baby in a carrier, squats holding my two-year-old, and practiced interview questions while feeding my toddler.”
Despite the challenges, Kelley emphasized the crucial support from her family. “There were days I wished for an entire day just for pageant prep, but that’s not the season of life I’m in. My family was fully on board-they’re along for the journey with me.”
Kelley, also a foster mother of two, becomes the first married mother to hold the Miss USA title since Mary Leona Gage in 1957, who was stripped of her crown after it was revealed she was married with children.
Her fitness routine adapted to her busy schedule as well, focusing on core strengthening exercises and creatively replacing gym workouts with at-home alternatives. “I love abductor and adductor exercises,” she said.
“If I can’t get to the gym, I lie on the floor and mimic the movements. I want to feel good and showcase the hard work on stage.”
Kelley credited her husband’s unwavering support as a vital component of her success. “He jokes that the crown might be his because he keeps saying, ‘I can’t believe I’m Mr.
USA,’” she laughed. Together for nearly 14 years and married for nine, he has been by her side from her very first pageant.
The prize package for Miss USA 2026 includes a $150,000 salary, a Range Rover, a one-year luxury apartment lease in Miami, a Westgate Vacation Home Club membership, and a $30,000 wardrobe for the Miss Universe pageant.
Kelley’s victory symbolizes more than personal achievement; it represents a broader message about the multifaceted roles women can embrace. “You don’t have to choose one part of who you are,” she explained.
“You can be all of who you are. It doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself, though it may require leaning on your village at times.”
As she looks ahead, Kelley hopes to inspire women balancing family life and personal ambitions. “I’m honored to represent women who are still dreaming, still pursuing their goals while raising families. This win isn’t just for me-it’s for all of us.”