Miss USA 2026: First Mom to Win Crown Shares Fitness Journey

WHO:

Fox News - Justus Kelley is 31 years old and has been married for nine years to her college sweetheart, Tyler.

Fox News - Justus Kelley is the first married mother to retain the Miss USA title, succeeding last year’s winner, Audrey Eckert, who was 24 years old.

Fox News - Justus Kelley, Miss Virginia USA 2026, is the first mother and first married woman to win Miss USA.

CBS News - Justus Kelley is recognized for her philanthropic work.

WHAT:

Fox News - Kelley stated, "Knowing that history was made as the first mom, as the first wife, as the first woman in her 30s, my first thought was how amazing it is to get to do this and to represent women from all over the country, from all over the world that resonate with, 'Hey, we're still dreaming.'"

Fox News - Kelley stated, "My pageant prep, it did look different... Their nap time was my prep time. It was late nights. It was after the bath and bed routine."

Fox News - Kelley mentioned, "The crown might be his because all he keeps saying is, 'I can't believe I'm Mr. USA.'"

Fox News - Justus Kelley was crowned Miss USA 2026 during the 75th edition of the national pageant.

Fox News - The prize package for Miss USA 2026 is valued at more than $685,000, including a $150,000 salary, a Range Rover, a one-year lease at a luxury Miami apartment, a Westgate Vacation Home Club membership, and a $30,000 Miss Universe wardrobe.

Fox News - Kelley stated, "You don't have to choose one part of who you are. You can be all of who you are."

WHERE:

Fox News - The Miss USA 2026 Final Competition & Coronation took place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida.

Fox News - Justus Kelley and her husband are licensed foster parents in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

WHEN:

Fox News - The Miss USA 2026 pageant was held on August 27, 2026.

Fox News - Justus Kelley participated in New York Fashion Week on September 12, 2026.

WHY:

Fox News - Kelley aims to challenge the idea that women need to choose between their families, careers, and personal dreams.

HOW:

Fox News - Kelley mentioned that she practiced exercises like crunches while watching movies at home, saying, "Let's try to get through this whole scene doing crunches."

Fox News - Kelley practiced exercises like squats while holding her two-year-old and did walking classes with her baby in a carrier.

Fox News - Kelley prepared for the pageant by incorporating workouts into her daily routine, such as doing exercises while caring for her children and practicing interview questions while feeding her toddler.

(UPDATED September 20, 2026 04:55 UTC)

Justus Kelley, a 31-year-old who has been married to her college sweetheart Tyler for nine years, made history as the first mom, wife, and woman in her 30s to achieve a significant milestone. She expressed her excitement, stating, "Knowing that history was made... my first thought was how amazing it is to get to do this and to represent women from all over the country, from all over the world that resonate with, 'Hey, we're still dreaming.'" Kelley also shared her unique approach to staying fit, saying she practiced exercises like crunches while watching movies at home, challenging herself to get through entire scenes while working out.

(UPDATED September 19, 2026 20:56 UTC)

Justus Kelley has made history as the first married mother to retain the Miss USA title, succeeding last year's winner, Audrey Eckert. Kelley shared that her preparation for the pageant involved unique challenges, fitting in workouts like squats while holding her two-year-old and using nap times for practice, saying, "Their nap time was my prep time." She also humorously noted that her son seems to be claiming the spotlight, as he keeps saying, "I can't believe I'm Mr. USA."

(UPDATED September 19, 2026 16:58 UTC)

Justus Kelley made history as the first mother and married woman to win the Miss USA title during the 75th edition of the national pageant held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida. The prize package for Miss USA 2026 is valued at over $685,000 and includes a $150,000 salary, a luxury vehicle, and a wardrobe for the Miss Universe competition. Kelley, who is also a licensed foster parent in Virginia, emphasizes that women can embrace all aspects of their identity, stating, "You don't have to choose one part of who you are. You can be all of who you are."