Five years ago, we lost a radiant light — Leanza Cornett, Miss America 1993, loving mother, and a woman whose spirit lit up every room she entered. She passed away at the young age of 49, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and grace that continues to inspire us.
Leanza wasn’t just a crown and a sash — she was a force of nature. With her infectious laugh and bright soul, she touched lives far beyond the pageant stage. From television screens in Saved by the Bell, CSI, and Weeds, to her tireless advocacy for AIDS awareness and children’s health, she used her platform to make real change.
- When my husband walked out on me during maternity leave, I told myself I’d handle the heartbreak quietly.
I’m 31, and I used to believe my marriage was solid. Tyler and I had been together for four years when we welcomed […]
- My family pulled me out of the hospital before I was safe to leave, ignored every warning from the doctors,
I still had the hospital wristband on when my mother signed me out against medical advice. The nurse stood between us […]
Though her life was cut short after a tragic head injury, her impact remains deeply felt. Her sons, Kai and Avery, carry forward her light, as do the many friends, fans, and members of the Miss America family who still hold her close in memory.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell
Leanza, we remember you today — not just as a queen, but as a vibrant woman who lived boldly, loved deeply, and left this world better than she found it.
Rest peacefully.