The Miss USA 2017 competition aired on Fox Sunday night, and the pageant was full of epic moments.
Like when four of the five final contestants were women of color...
...and when first runner-up, Miss New Jersey Chhavi Verg, schooled the US on feminism.
But one of the sweetest and most inspiring moments was when Deshauna Barber, Miss USA 2016 and the first active member of military to win the crown, wore her natural Afro in honor of her mother.
In a taped segment before Barber took her final walk to crown the new queen, she shared that her term as Miss USA had been bittersweet after her mother died of lung cancer only three months into her reign.
"I have an Afro, she has an Afro, so she really wanted me to wear my Afro onstage," Barber added. "Today during my final walk, I will be wearing my Afro as a tribute to her. So Mom, this is for you."
Miss USA 2016 then took to the stage to wave farewell. The history-making winner said, "I want to thank my angel in heaven, my mother. Your spirit is always with me."
People of course tweeted their overwhelming feels and expressed their admiration for the 2016 queen.
She got a lot of praise for rocking her natural hair.
One fan even said she wanted a Barber Barbie for her daughters...
...and another created this beautiful portrait of her.
Quick sketch of @deshaunabarber bc I was so excited when she came out with her natural hair. Thank you and I know y… https://t.co/CUhIHAgysS
People everywhere were very moved by her beautiful speech and final walk.
Deshauna Barber is EVERYTHING! sis went backstage snatched her wig off and served natural for her final walk they w… https://t.co/bFJyUNvFxv
YOU ARE LITERALLY QUEEN FOR LIFE, DESHAUNA BARBER. 👑
