Atlantic City, NJ (October 24, 2013) – Longtime Charlie Daniels Band background vocalist Carolyn Corlew was crowned Ms. Senior America today at the National pageant at Resorts Casino Hotel’s Superstar Theater in Atlantic City, NJ.  The competition featured 34 women age 60 and older from around the country.  Corlew won the title of Ms. Senior Tennessee April 27th.  While representing Wilson County at the Tennessee State convention, Corlew encouraged ladies that have reached the “Age of Elegance” to consider participating in the pageant.

“I am thrilled, honored and so excited about wearing this crown for the next year,” said Corlew.  “These women were over the top – there were professional dancers, opera singers from Broadway… I sang a bluesy Etta James song and we had a 93 year old that rocked the competition.  I’m blown away.  From this point it’s spirit, mind and then body – it’s gotta come from within.  I’ve got a 20 pound dress on and a crown and I’m proud to represent all the senior women of America!”

Ms. Senior America, established by Dr. Al Mott in 1972, is the world’s first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the “Age of Elegance.”  It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans.  By giving women 60 years of age and older an opportunity to display their “inner beauty,” talents, and elegance, the Pageant seeks to draw attention to the achievements of senior women. The Pageant motivates and encourages women to utilize their full potential and share a positive outlook on life with others. Participants represent a cross section of America.

“Certainly youth is beauty that excites, but age is charm and character that inspires,” Mott said.  “One of the reasons this pageant is thriving is because it’s a celebration of women who’ve reached — perhaps “achieved” is the more apt term, the “age of elegance.”

The Pageant’s philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure.  It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.

“These remarkable women have had successful careers, raised families, survived cancer, strokes, heart attacks; struggled, lived and thrived, yet they remain steadfastly elegant and inspiring,” said Dr. Mott.

For more information on the Ms. Senior America Pageant, visit www.senioramerica.org