MS. SENIOR AMERICA

When Debbie Blakeman Robbins won the title of Ms. Senior America 2023, people who have heard her sing or give motivational speeches were not surprised. With her warm and engaging manner, Robbins advocates for seniors while mentoring the young. Her love of music and singing career began when she was a young girl and has continued through adulthood. This latest chapter is a natural progression of her life experiences.

The Ms. Senior America competition exists to showcase women with state titles who are at least 60 years old and have reached what the organization proclaims as “the age of elegance.” Robbins is no stranger to pageant scholarship competitions. As a young woman she placed in the top 10 for both Miss Kentucky and Miss Tennessee. Later, she served on the board of and coached candidates for Miss Louisville.

She entered Ms. Senior America as an at- large candidate representing Kentucky at the pageant held this past September at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Pennsylvania. Since Kentucky doesn’t have an active affiliated organization, Robbins submitted her credentials, proving she would be a viable candidate and was approved. Contestants wore evening gowns while being evaluated on speeches about their life philosophy, their grace, poise, talent performances and individual interviews.

“It was the first pageant the organization has held since COVID. I am so honored to have won the title. It’s already been such a blessing and a joy,” Robbins says.

There were several reasons that Robbins decided to enter the competition, but a major one was to highlight the contributions seniors make to society. She attributes her success as a professional singer to older people who took an interest in her and nurtured her talent. It all began