California, USA – Kiki Hakansson, the woman who made history as the first-ever Miss World, has passed away at the age of 95. She died peacefully in her sleep at her home in California on the night of November 4, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations of beauty queens. Born in Sweden, Kiki Hakansson rose to fame in 1951 when she was crowned Miss World during a groundbreaking pageant organized by Eric Morley. This pivotal event not only marked the inception of one of the world's most prestigious beauty contests but also redefined the standards of beauty and empowerment for women.
Kiki's win set the stage for the Miss Universe competition and opened doors for women to embrace their individuality and strength on a global platform. Her family confirmed the news of her passing through an emotional post on Instagram, expressing their sorrow and honoring her remarkable life. "Kiki Hakansson passed away in her sleep on the night of November 4," they wrote, sharing their grief with fans and admirers around the world. In her illustrious career, Kiki was not only recognized for her beauty but also for her warmth and generosity. Her son, Chris Anderson, spoke fondly of her, stating, “My mother is not in the world today. She was very kind, loving, and like a friend.
She had a great sense of humor and was very generous. We will always remember her because of what she has instilled in us.” Julia Morley, the President of the Miss World pageant, paid tribute to Kiki, highlighting her significant impact on the pageantry world. "Kiki Hakansson created history by winning the title of Miss World. She will forever be remembered as the first Miss Universe. We cannot forget them," Morley stated, reflecting the sentiments of many who have been inspired by her legacy. Kiki's journey to becoming Miss World began with her win as Miss Sweden, and she made headlines during her crowning ceremony in a bikini, a bold choice for the time that sparked discussions about body image and societal norms.
The landmark event in 1951 laid the groundwork for future beauty contests and has had a lasting influence on how beauty is perceived in contemporary culture. As the world remembers Kiki Hakansson, her contributions to the beauty industry and her role as a trailblazer will not be forgotten. The Miss World organization shared their condolences with a heartfelt message, stating, "We all share Kiki Hakansson's grief. Our love and best wishes are always with her family.” Kiki Hakansson's legacy will continue to inspire beauty and grace, both on the stage and beyond, reminding us of the power of kindness, humor, and authenticity in a world ever in need of compassion.