Home Article Phyllis George, Former Miss America and Sportcaster Is Dead

Phyllis George, Former Miss America and Sportcaster Is Dead

Updated On 20 May, 2020 Published On 17 May, 2020
Phyllis George, Former Miss America and Sportcaster Is Dead

One more legend left this world this year. Phyllis George, the first female co-anchor on 'The NFL Today' is no more.

Phyllis George passed away on May 14, 2020, at the Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, at the age of seventy. She was in the hospital for the last few weeks because of the complications arisen from a blood disorder polycythemia vera.

The former Miss Texas was diagnosed with this disease in her mid-thirties but was managing it successfully over many years. Infact close family members state that she lived way far more than the doctors initially predicted. 

During George's last few days, her daughter Pamela Brown, who is a senior White House correspondent at CNN and son Lincoln Brown, a technology entrepreneur were with her at the hospital.

Not only that, but Phyllis was also able to meet her newest granddaughter Vivienne Wright who was born this February to her daughter Pamela and her husband, Adam Wright.  The couple also has a son named Benny Wright, who was born in June 2018.

Phyllis George son Lincoln, daughter Pamela and granddaughter Vivienne. SOURCE: Lincoln Brown Instagram(@lincolnb17)

After the death of Phyllis, her two children release a joint statement that read:

"For many, Mom was known by her incredible accomplishments, To us, she was the most incredible mother we could ever ask for, and it is all of the defining qualities the public never saw, especially against the winds of adversity, that symbolize how extraordinary she is more than anything else. The beauty so many recognized on the outside was a mere fraction of her internal beauty, only to be outdone by an unwavering spirit that allowed her to persevere against all the odds.”

George's children are from her second marriage to John Y. Brown Jr, Kentucky Fried Chicken owner and the former governor of Kentucky. Infact the kids were born when she was the first lady of Kentucky. 

Phyllis George with her ex-husband John Y. Brown and their two children. SOURCE: Lexington Herald-Leader

George and Brown divorced after seventeen years of marriage but remained close. The 86-year-old businessman said following about his ex-wife:

"Phyllis was a great asset to Kentucky, We had a great partnership, I think we enjoyed every single day."

George's first marriage was to Hollywood producer Robert Evans. That marriage lasted for only a year.

George, though, was married to famous individuals with high achievements, but she was always known for her many accomplishments.

Phyllis, who was Native of small-town Texas town Denton became Miss Texas in 1970 and a year later was crowned Miss America 1971.  After completing her responsibilities as Miss America for a year, she started her career in television.

At first, the former Miss America worked a host on the comedy show "Candid Camera." After that, she joined as co-host in CBS Sports program The NFL Today. Her role as a sportscaster was groundbreaking as she became one of the first women to have a nationally prominent role in television sports coverage. She opened paths for other young women to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Phyllis George was the only female host of The NFL Today. SOURCE: Dallas Morning News

In addition to NFL Today, she hosted many programs in CBS, including  CBS Morning News. After more than a decade in hosting Texas native left the job to start a business. She founded Chicken by George but sold two years later to Hormel Foods. She also created a line of cosmetic and skincare products which she marketed through television shopping network HSN. Also, she co-wrote five books in her lifetime. 

Phyllis George always believed, "Life is what you make it," and there is no doubt she made her life unforgettable in so many ways. George, you will be missed by many!!!

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