Dorothy Benham, Miss America 1977, is a classically trained lyric-coloratura soprano having performed in concert with Symphony Orchestras, Opera companies, and an original cast member of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway show Jerome Robbins’ Broadway where she was featured as the “Somewhere” soloist and part of the ensemble. She sang the National Anthem for the 1979 World Series games in Pittsburgh, PA., and at a fundraiser for President Reagan, then for the Sammy Davis Jr. Celebrity Dinner. In 1976 Dorothy was the featured half time performer at the Liberty Bowl. She performed with Bob Hope and Doc Severinsen, and was chosen by Peter Schickele (aka PDQ Bach) as the soprano for his composer showcase at the Lincoln Center in NYC. She has been a frequent guest soloist on The Hour of Power in Garden Grove, California, and was honored to sing for their final Christmas Eve Service 2012 and then again for the final Sunday worship service at the Crystal Cathedral June 30th, 2013.
Author Dorothy Benham
Following her year as Miss America, Dorothy not only was a featured performer, co-host and judge of the Miss America Pageant, but worked extensively in television and radio as a spokesperson for a variety of companies.
Dorothy’s USO work began with the Miss America USO Troupe performing for our Servicemen in Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Guam. In 1981 she was the Host and performer for the USO’s 40th Anniversary Celebration in Stuttgart, Germany. Then along with Brooke Shields and the USO performed aboard the USS John F. Kennedy at the 1986 Statue of Liberty Bi-Centennial Celebration for President and Mrs. Reagan.
Dorothy is the proud mother of six children and seven grandchildren.
This is my story. This is my life. A life I felt never needed to be written about because through my eyes was rather uneventful. I’d been awarded and achieved goals that few people get to experience, but chalked it up to luck and the hard work given to my vocal studies. Those moments have been documented in writing and photos for the history books. Child model, dance line captain, Homecoming Queen, soloist with every choir, Miss America, etc. I had a gift in the field of the arts and mother tried to cultivate those talents. I know she sacrificed to give me those opportunities and for that I am appreciative.
But what happens when the life you’ve lived becomes turned on its side, upside down, or does a dizzying full circle and you learn a secret has been kept from you? Was it out of love and to protect me? Was it to not bring shame upon the family? Was there ever an agreement to share the truth with me when I reached a certain age in adulthood? Mother never had the courage to tell me and she outlived ALMOST everyone who knew the truth. I feel she was ashamed and that late in life … what did it matter? Well, it matters to me. My children deserve to know their history too.
Dorothy Benham
Bastard Queen Praises!
Dorothy Benham was my role model when I decided to enter the Miss Minnesota competition. After hearing her unbelievable vocal talent, I realized my classical violin chops might also have a fighting chance on the Miss America stage. But her book is so much more than just her vocal journey! It is pure Dorothy! I could hear her talking as I went from page to page about her upbringing in small town Minnesota to the Broadway stage. But then, there was the surprise! I’ll never forget when she called me to tell me what she had discovered about her family tree. As a news reporter, I’ve covered all kinds of stories but this was one for the ages! She said she wanted to write a book and now she has accomplished her goal. Her story is one of courage, tenacity and forgiveness. I’m so proud of you Dorothy! —Gretchen Carlson, Journalist, Author, Co-Founder Lift Our Voices, Empowerment Advocate and Mom
I thought I had an interesting, unusual life !!!! Oh my!! Your book is fascinating. And I felt as if you were talking directly to me. It is conversational. So easy to read. A page turner. And, or course, the ending is mind blowing. You give readers who may feel shamed by – let’s say – being divorced – the freedom to begin to let that (in their minds) shame go. You move on. You keep going no matter what. It’s a – let’s not dwell in the past, let’s move into the future inspiring book. —Marilyn Van Derbur, Miss America 1958, Author of Miss America By Day: Lessons Learned from Ultimate Betrayals and Unconditional Love, which spent 13 weeks on Colorado’s top ten non-fiction bestsellers list and was awarded the Writer’s Digest Most Inspirational Book Award (first place) in 2003
