By Dani Travis, CBS12 News
September 3, 2026
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — The crown is polished, the gowns are ready, and the spotlight is shining on West Palm Beach!
52 delegates have arrived in the Palm Beaches this week — each hoping to become the 99th woman to wear one of the most iconic crowns in America. But before a new Miss America is crowned Sunday night, the woman currently wearing it is reflecting on the year that changed her life.
CBS12 News reporter Dani Travis spoke exclusively with Miss America 2026, Cassie Donegan, 28, about the purpose behind the pageantry, the legacy she hopes to leave, and what it will feel like to pass the crown this weekend.
Originally from Smithfield, Virginia, Donegan grew up in dance, theater, and music. Her Miss America journey began as a child and later included a top-five finish at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. After studying musical theater and earning a degree in biblical studies, she moved to New York City, was named Miss New York 2025, and went on to win the national title.
As Miss America, Donegan advocates for equal access to arts education and has created three scholarships to support students pursuing the arts. She also serves as national ambassador for the American Heart Association, partners with Best Buddies International, and is an honorary global ambassador for the USO.
Today, she works in arts and entertainment, teaches voice and theater, and serves as chief operations officer for Southern Sitter, LLC. Her mission is to make people feel seen, heard, and valued through service. Donegan has been open about overcoming financial hardship, family health struggles, bullying, and mental-health challenges. She hopes her reign reminds others that their background does not define what they can achieve.
Competition week continues today with the Miss America’s got talent show at the Kravis Center.
Miss America’s Teen will be crowned Saturday, before the 99th Miss America takes the crown Sunday night at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
CBS12 News also spoke exclusively with Miss Florida 2026, Alexandra de Roos, a 23-year-old Winter Haven native, about representing her home state and what people can expect when the preliminary competitions begin this week.
Read the article and watch the interview HERE: https://cbs12.com/news/local/miss-america-2026-cassie-donegan-speaks-pageantry-passing-crown-successor-miss-america-glitter-gowns-tiara-heels-kravis-center-florida-news