Kellye Cash-Sheppard (born February 2, 1965) is an American musician and beauty pageant titleholder. She won Miss America in 1987.
Kellye Cash | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | February 2, 1965 |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Title | Miss Milan Crown and Scepter 1986 Miss Tennessee 1986 Miss America 1987 |
| Predecessor | Susan Akin |
| Successor | Kaye Lani Rae Rafko |
| Spouse |
Todd Sheppard (m. 1989) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Johnny Cash (grand-uncle) Tommy Cash (grand-uncle) June Carter Cash (grand-aunt) |
| Website | www |
Early life
editCash was born in Memphis, Tennessee.
Pageantry
editCash was crowned Miss Tennessee 1986 and later Miss America 1987, capturing preliminary honors in both the talent and swimsuit competitions.[1][2]
Career
editFollowing her reign as Miss America, Cash toured with Bob Hope's USO Show and appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and others.[3]
She has performed with numerous musical artists, including Vince Gill, Lee Greenwood, and Billy Joel, and appeared in regional theatrical productions. Cash was chosen for the role of country music legend Patsy Cline in Always...Patsy Cline.[4] In 2003, from April to December, Cash played the role of "Narrator" in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Mansion America Theatre in Branson, Missouri.[5]
Cash has released six albums: four Christian and two country, including Living by the Word, and Real Life.[6]
She has hosted and performed at several pageants over the years as well as other events, such as for the finals of 2007's Star Search.[7][8][9][10]
Politics
editAn advocate for conservative political candidates and issues, Cash has twice been publicly elected to the State Executive Committee of the Tennessee Republican Party.[11] She performed at an event for presidential candidate Pat Buchanan, held before the 1996 Republican National Convention.[12]
Personal life
editCash is the grand-niece of singers Johnny Cash, Tommy Cash and June Carter Cash.[13] Cash married Todd Sheppard, a teacher, in 1989.[13] The couple have three children.[11]
Her daughter, Cassidy, competed for the title of Miss Tennessee in June 2014, placing in the top 16 finalists.
Her daughter, Tatum, was crowned Miss Virginia in June 2021. She competed for the title of "Miss America" in December 2021.[3][14]
References
edit- ^ "Miss America grandniece of Johnny Cash". Houston Chronicle. Associated Press. September 14, 1986. p. 3.
- ^ Mansfield, Stephanie (September 15, 1986). "Tennessee Cashes In". The Washington Post.
- ^ a b "About". KellyeCashMusic.com. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
- ^ "Kellye Cash performing with Huntington Symphony Orchestra". Ironton Tribune. August 5, 2009.
- ^ "A new classic Christmas song, an old classic Christmas singer". Courier News. December 7, 2003.
- ^ "Cash to perform at Picnic with the Pops". The Herald-Dispatch. August 9, 2009.
- ^ "Miss America Preliminaries". The Press of Atlantic City. September 18, 2003.
- ^ "Changes and familiar faces on view at pageant". The Roanoke Times. June 24, 2008.
- ^ "Miss Tri-Cities 2009 Crowned". Tri-City Herald. July 19, 2009.
- ^ "Star Search finals this Saturday". Memphis Commercial Appeal. October 18, 2007.
- ^ a b "Celebrities born and raised in Gibson County". The Jackson Sun. May 17, 2009.
- ^ "Buchanan will throw big party in Escondido". San Diego Union. July 24, 1996.
- ^ a b Tauber, Michelle; Neill, Mike; Russell, Lisa; Fowler, Joanne; Dam, Julie; Tresniowski, Alex; Miller, Samantha; Dougherty, Steve; Yu, Ting (October 16, 2000). "American Beauties: 80 Years". People.
- ^ Jewell, Jessica (June 20, 2021). "Tatum Sheppard wins Miss Virginia 2021". WSLS.