The first crowned Miss USA, Jackie Loughery, has died aged 93.
The beauty icon’s passing was revealed in a statement released by the Miss USA organisation’s Facebook page, though her cause of death is still unknown.
“It is with great sorrow that we share the news of Jackie Loughery’s passing, a pioneer who made history as the FIRST EVER Miss USA in 1952,” the statement began.
“Jackie Loughery will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of beauty pageants.
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“Her grace, poise, and intelligence captivated audiences and paved the way for future generations of women to shine on the stage.
“As the very first Miss USA in 1952, she left an indelible mark on the pageant world and inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
“While her physical presence may no longer be with us, her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her remarkable spirit.
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this time, and may they find comfort in the memories of her extraordinary life. She is reunited with her fur babies that she loved so much!”
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The beauty queen was a Brooklyn native, receiving her big break in 1947 when she was named Miss Rockaway Point.
In 1952, she was crowned Miss New York USA, the first to hold the iconic title.
On the back of her becoming the inaugural winner of Miss USA, she went on to represent her country in the Miss Universe competition, taking home ninth place.
Alike many models, Loughery went on to start a successful career as an actress in Hollywood, starring in some of the biggest films of her time.
She appeared alongside Martin and Lewis in the western film Pardners in 1957, playing the role of Dolly Riley.
She went on to star in a military film titled The DI, where she met her future husband, Jack Webb.
Her acting skills continued to develop in The Hot Angel, Abbott and Costello Go to Mars and Anxious, before starting a stint in television.
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Loughery’s first husband was Guy Mitchell, the US pop star who created the famed My Heart Cries for You song.
Her second husband was co-star Jack Webb, though unfortunately, their marriage came to an end a few years later before she met the love of her life.
She married her longtime husband Jack W Schweitzer in 1968, and the pair remained together until he passed in 2009.