'Miss America' Finalist Dies At Age 59, Due To Complications From COVID-19

'Miss America'finalist and former 'Miss Mississippi,' Kathy Manning has died at age 59, due to complications of COVID-19. 

According to multiple reports, the former beauty queen passed away last week, after being hospitalized with the deadly virus. Manning, who won the Miss Mississippi title went on to be the second runner-up at the Miss America contest in 1985. An obituary for the 59-year-old says she died on December 23, in Collierville, Tennessee.

She is survived by her three children, her mother, brother, and extended family members.

"For the many people who knew her, she was someone who loved to connect with people from many different walks of life — and really get to know them for who they are and what brought them joy," the obituary reads. 

A family member added, "Kathy and her family and that peaceful place will always be a part of me….. a part of my kids…. A part of our family! And I think that would make Kathy so happy. When remembering her, I think of the things that were so HER. Everyone that knew her has several things they smile about that her kooky self did. She was one of kind for sure. An interesting and entertaining soul always. There will be a space in our family that no one can fill until we gather on the other side and renew our Farm Days. For now …. She is Glorious! she is free, she is whole, and she is singing!"

Following Manning's 'Miss Universe' finish, Manning worked as a model for brands including Coppertone and Maybelline and toured with the USO in Central America, the Caribbean, and in Asia. The beauty queen also was a Christian recording artist and worked as an entertainer for weddings and baptisms, and even fronted the weather on Memphis ABC Affiliate WHBQ 13.

"In all of these and more, she left a mark on nearly everyone she met. During her high school, college, and recent grad years, she was known as Mississippi's Sweetheart. And after moving to Memphis, many people viewed her as the heart of the city. And our hearts ache in her loud absence, especially during this holiday season," her obituary reads. 

As we've reported COVID-19 is ripping its way through the U.S. with a record number of infections being reported every day. Several New Year's Eve events have been canceled including a performance by 'Green Day's' Billie Joe Armstrong -- and L.L. Cool J was forced to cancel a hosting gig for ABC. Today, the United States shattered its record of average new infections reported, with 355,990. Unfortunately, the cases and subsequent hospitalization have experts warning we are using towards even higher numbers.

"Given the size of our country -- and the diversity of vaccination versus no vaccination -- that it likely will be more than a couple of weeks (until Covid-19 cases peak) ... probably by the end of January," Dr. Fauci told CNBC.

R.I.P.