Who is Justus Kelley? Miss Virginia becomes first mom to be crowned Miss USA; her winning prize, husband & kids in focus

Justus Kelley, the Miss Virginia, made history on Thursday, August 27, 2025, by becoming the first mother and first married woman to be crowned Miss USA. The pageant, which took place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami, saw Kelley compete against 50 other women. She was praised by the judges for her intelligence, beauty, and abilities.

This victory marks a significant milestone, as the pageant amended its regulations in 2023 to allow women with children to win the title and removed the previous age limit. Kelley, who is married and a mother, hails from Arlington, Virginia, and graduated from Indiana University with both a bachelor's and master's degree. She currently works as a philanthropic advisor for ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Kelley's journey to the Miss USA crown included third runner-up at Miss Virginia USA 2025, first runner-up at Miss District of Columbia USA 2025, second runner-up at Miss District of Columbia USA 2026, and Miss Virginia USA 2026. With her win, Kelley will represent the USA in the Miss Universe competition scheduled for later this year in Puerto Rico.

The prize package for the Miss USA title is estimated to be worth over $685,000, including a salary, luxury apartment lease, Range Rover, wardrobe budget, and membership in a Westgate vacation home club.