Former Miss America Marries Same-Sex Partner in Alabama

Former Miss America Deidre Downs Gunn, the 2005 winner, married her same-sex partner during a weekend ceremony in Birmingham, Alabama, People magazine reported.

Downs Gunn, 37, met Abbott Jones, an attorney and writer, online in February 2017, People said.

The former Miss America married Andrew Gunn in 2008 and the couple had a son before divorcing, AL.com said. The boy, now eight, played the role of best man at the wedding, according to People.

Former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson, a former pageant winner and now chair of the Miss America board of directors, passed along her congratulations on Twitter with the organization and others.

Congratulations to former @MissAmericaOrg @deidredowns on her marriage! https://t.co/CbzBLAAat7

— Gretchen Carlson (@GretchenCarlson) April 16, 2018

Congratulations to Miss America 2005 @deidredowns! Wishing you and @abbottjones all the happiness in the world! https://t.co/yoVrckCdmf

— Miss America Org (@MissAmericaOrg) April 16, 2018

Congrats, @deidredowns! @MissAmericaOrg https://t.co/hjF6lemVkE

— Dr. Jennifer Caudle (@DrJenCaudle) April 16, 2018

"Saying our vows in front of our family and friends and making that commitment to the love of my life was the most meaningful part of the day for me," Downs Gunn told People.

Downs Gunn works as an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, People said. She attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham and earned her medical degree after winning the Miss America title, AL.com said.

• Gretchen Carlson Returning to TV With A&E Specials
• Mallory Hagan, Former Miss America, Speaks on Pageant Scandal