It is with such great sadness we inform you of the passing of one of our most beloved Miss Americas, Miss America 1943 Jean Bartel.  Jean passed away on Sunday evening and although, she has passed, she will live forever in our hearts.  

We were so very proud and privileged to have Jean join us for our 90th anniversary celebration of the Miss America pageant in January, and will cherish those moments that we had to spend with her.  From her participation in the events to her love and support of the program, Jean will always have a very special place in our hearts and this organization that she loved and served so well.   

In 1943 Jean took the commitment of a "War-Time" Miss America to heart, she embarked on a Bond-selling tour that would result in her being honored by the United States Treasury Department as the individual who had sold the most Series E Bonds that year. Jean was instrumental in posing the idea that Miss America should be awarded a college scholarship which has remained the hallmark of the Miss America Organization.  After serving her year as Miss America, Jean's remarkable talent enabled her to embark on a singing career, which included work on radio and television, two South American tours, the Middle East, Europe, Canada, and in every State of the Union but Maine. Ultimately, her dream became a reality when Jean became the first Miss America to star in a Broadway musical- "Of Thee I Sing"- opposite Jack Carson.

Over the years, Jean has continued to be a great supporter of The Miss America Organization. She was a remarkable Miss America and a dedicated individual - committed to our Organization and has forever touched our hearts.  We offer our condolences and prayers to Jean’s family, her friends and especially to her Miss America sisters who she treasured so dearly. Unfortunately, we do not have any details on the services or arrangements for Jean, however, once we receive them, we will send out an email with the information.