It’s Never Too Late: 71-Year-Old Woman Breaks Record as Oldest Contestant in Miss Texas USA

At 71 years old, Marissa Teijo made history as the oldest contestant to participate in the Miss Texas USA pageant. Despite not winning the title, Teijo competed alongside other participants in Houston over the weekend. The crown went to Aarieanna Ware, last year’s Miss Dallas winner, who will now represent Texas in the Miss USA competition. Teijo remarked on the experience, emphasizing that one can be their best physically and mentally at any age and that beauty transcends age.

Meanwhile, the Miss Universe organization has faced controversy following the resignation of Noelia Voigt on May 6. Voigt, 24, initially cited a need to focus on her mental health in an Instagram post. However, NBC News later obtained her resignation letter, where she accused CEO Laylah Rose of fostering a toxic work environment and neglecting to address a sexual harassment incident. Rose responded, emphasizing her commitment to the well-being of all involved with Miss USA and her seriousness in handling such allegations.

In the wake of Voigt’s resignation, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, 17, also stepped down, along with Miss USA’s social media manager Claudia Michelle. Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was subsequently crowned Miss USA 2023, filling the role left by Voigt until a new winner is selected in August. Although Stephanie Skinner, the runner-up in Miss Teen USA, was offered the crown after Srivastava’s departure, she declined the opportunity.

These developments highlight ongoing issues within the Miss Universe organization, even as contestants like Marissa Teijo continue to break barriers and redefine the standards of beauty and age in pageantry.