Former Miss America and Broadway Performer Jean Bartel Has Died

Jean Bartel, who followed her reign as Miss America in 1943 by appearing on Broadway, died on Sunday, March 6, according to published reports. She was 87 years old.

Bartel played Clementina in the 1946 revival of the operetta The Desert Song, and she appeared in the ensemble of the 1952 revival of Of Thee I Sing, along with understudying the role of Diana Deveraux.

In a statement, officials of the Miss America pageant said: “Over the years, Jean has continued to be a great supporter of The Miss America Organization. She was a remarkable Miss America and a dedicated individual — committed to our organization and has forever touched our hearts.”