Gray, who was the fourth contestant from the Philippines to win the competition, left her post in New York City where she’s spent the majority of her time since winning Miss Universe and headed to Atlanta on November 28. The 25-year-old officially said goodbye to the concrete jungle in a social media post, noting her excitement to crown a new queen.
“Feeling super sentimental about it all,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “I walked into this lobby in these exact boots earlier this year, now we’re 9 days away from welcoming a new queen.”
Despite having to relinquish her title, Gray said is optimistic for the future. While speaking to Manila news outlet ABS CBN news in November, Gray said giving up the crown was “going to be a sentimental time,” but noted she was “excited to face my new chapter and I’m excited to see the girls shine.”
Gray said she planned to continue her advocacy work long after handing over the Miss Universe crown. However, she also hoped to focus more on her “creative pursuits.”
“I do have a passion for music,” Gray said. “I also want to continue being a spokesperson and to work with the causes that are dear to my heart because it’s really what fulfills me as an individual….You’re definitely going to see me doing these things.”
Gray combined her love for charity and music with the release of her newest music video for her first single “We’re In This Together,” on November 28. For the video, Gray partnered with Young Focus, a Filipino charity that helps children in underprivileged communities receive access to quality education.
Back when Gray was competing for the Miss Universe title she expounded on the many ways she hoped to use her title to continue her philanthropic and charitable efforts. Over the course of the last year, Gray has accomplished just that, providing aid to and spreading awareness of organizations in her home country like educational resource Young Focus and various HIV/AIDS groups around the world.
A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) on Nov 28, 2019 at 11:35am PST
In October, Gray partnered with Miss Teen USA 2018 winner Kailegh Garris, Miss USA 2019 winner Cheslie Kryst and nonprofit Smile Train for a visit to children suffering from cleft lips and cleft palates in Brazil.
A new Miss Universe will be crowned during the 2019 pageant, airing live on Fox on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
