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Crowning Glory: Phyllis George Becomes Miss America 1971

The radiant Phyllis George of Denton, Texas beams with joy as she receives the Miss America crown in 1971, capping her journey from Miss Texas to national icon. But this Texas beauty queen would prove to be much more than just a pretty face – she was about to blaze trails across multiple industries.

After her reign as Miss America and later as Kentucky’s First Lady (1979-1983), George shattered glass ceilings in 1975 by joining CBS’s The NFL Today as one of the first female national sportscasters. Her groundbreaking role opened doors for women in sports journalism, while her successful ventures in business and acting demonstrated the depth of talent behind that dazzling pageant smile.