Phyllis George

About Phyllis George

Phyllis Ann George, who passed away on May 14, 2020, after being born on June 25, 1949, was a woman who excelled in many fields. She first gained national attention as Miss Texas in 1970, a title that led to her being crowned Miss America in 1971. Beyond her pageant victories, George forged a career as a businesswoman, an actress, and a pioneering sportscaster. Her influence extended into the political arena when she served as the First Lady of Kentucky from 1979 to 1983.

Born in Denton, Texas, to Diantha Cogdell and James George, Phyllis George began her college education at North Texas State University, attending for three years. Upon winning the Miss Texas title in 1971, she received a scholarship from Texas Christian University, prompting her to transfer. She enrolled at TCU for a brief period before ultimately capturing the Miss America title that same fall. George was also a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

Her reign as Miss America officially began on September 12, 1970, though her Miss Texas victory was in 1970. The Miss America pageant itself was met with a demonstration by the Women's Liberation Front. In August 1971, George embarked on a significant journey, traveling to Vietnam for a 22-day United Service Organizations tour to entertain American troops. She was accompanied by several other former pageant winners, including Miss Iowa Cheryl Browne, and the woman who succeeded her as Miss Texas, Belinda Myrick. The tour commenced in Saigon, and Ms. Browne later reflected that she believed it was among the final groups of Miss Americas to visit Vietnam. Throughout her year as Miss America, George was a frequent guest on popular television programs, making three appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.