Jeanne Robertson, North Carolina Humorist, Dies At 77

NEW PODCAST EPISODEMeteorologist Lee Ringer breaks down how weather models work COMMUNITY CALENDARAdd an event to our calendar WEATHER ALERTFull list of active watches and warnings CLOSINGS ALERTFull list of closings and delays Jeanne Robertson, North Carolina humorist, dies at 77 BY Associated Press North Carolina PUBLISHED 9:21 AM ET Aug. 23, 2021 SHARE

ELON, N.C. (AP) — Jeanne Robertson, who parlayed her appearance in the Miss America pageant into a career as a speaker and humorist, has died at the age of 77.

Her death was announced by Elon University, where she served as a trustee.

We have lost a wonderful and loving Elon University friend in Trustee Jeanne Robertson. Over decades, she built connections with Elon students, staff and faculty, and shared the Elon story with people far and wide. Read more about her impact: https://t.co/jtPFClGItO pic.twitter.com/fsMECebX72

— Elon University (@elonuniversity) August 22, 2021

A cause of death was not released. Robertson became Miss North Carolina at age 19, and won Miss Congeniality at the 1963 Miss America pageant.

Her pageant experience and her 6-foot-2-inch frame often provided fodder for her comedy routines, delivered in her Southern accent. She taught physical education in North Carolina for eight years after graduating from Auburn University in 1967.

It is with deep sadness that we share that beloved philanthropist, author, humorist, and our #MissNC 1963 Jeanne Robertson has passed away. pic.twitter.com/v9vkMnim4Q

— Miss NC Organization (@MissNCOrg) August 22, 2021