Jayne Kennedy, the first Black woman to win Miss Ohio USA in 1970 and the Emmy Award-winning host of CBS’s The NFL Today in 1978, is sharing her extraordinary story of resilience, perseverance, and triumph in her new memoir, Plain Jayne.
The trailblazing television personality, actress, producer, entrepreneur, and sports broadcasting pioneer opens about the experiences that shaped her remarkable career and personal journey.
In a recent conversation, Kennedy reflected on the journey of writing her memoir, breaking barriers and relying on faith through life’s challenges, and the legacy she hopes to leave for future generations.
A Story 25 Years in the Making
After attending her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary celebration, Kennedy recalled her sister urging her to write the book. That evening, she began documenting memories, experiences, triumphs, and heartbreaks that had accumulated throughout her remarkable life.
“It was a journey of 25 years. I started writing in the year 2000 and finished in 2025. I had been inspired by so many people along the way over the past few years, and I just didn’t feel it was the right time.
Then my sister told me at my father and mother’s 50th wedding anniversary, ‘Jayne, you need to write a book. Just go ahead and write the book. So, I went upstairs, got under the sheets because it was late at night, put the sheets over my head, grabbed my little flashlight, and just started writing. I continued to write, write, write, write, write. I had a lot of brilliance, emotion, tragedy, everything just stored in here and I needed to get it out.”
Breaking Barriers in Sports Broadcasting
Kennedy’s place in television history was cemented when she became the first Black woman to host a network sports television program, CBS Sports’ The NFL Today.
The opportunity did not come easily.
Despite being repeatedly told she was not what executives were looking for, Kennedy remained determined.
Her persistence eventually led her to an introduction through NFL legend Jim Brown, who connected her with a sports talent director. Soon after, Kennedy found herself among 16 finalists selected from approximately 2,000 women.
Of the finalists, Kennedy recalled being the only Black woman in the room.
“I had come from eight years of acting, singing, dancing, traveling the world with Bob Hope, and so many different experiences before that opportunity happened.
When the opening came up for The NFL Today, I said, ‘I can do this.’ My agent kept saying, ‘No, you can’t. They’re not looking for someone like you. He submitted lists of people multiple times, and they were all turned down. I said, ‘You know what? I’m just going to have to find another way because I don’t give up too easily.’
I ended up calling a friend who introduced me to another friend, and that friend was Jim Brown. Jim Brown told me I needed to meet a sports talent director who was coming to Los Angeles looking for talent.
She met with me and said, ‘I’m taking you to New York.’
They had interviewed 2,000 women and narrowed it down to 16 finalists. When I arrived, all 15 of the other women were blonde. It was clear they were not looking for me, which is what my agent had been telling me all along.
But I did my interview just like everyone else. When I finished, Brent Musburger got up from the table and walked away. He said, ‘It’s Jayne or nobody.’
That’s my message to people: Never ever give up. If you have a dream and nobody else believes in you, don’t let that deter you.”
Long before sports broadcasting, Kennedy was already building an impressive entertainment career.
Among her proudest memories was being personally invited by legendary entertainer Bob Hope to join his famous Christmas tours for U.S. troops stationed overseas.
The opportunity allowed Kennedy to travel internationally, visiting countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, and Cuba.
Her career continued to soar as she later joined The Dean Martin Show as one of the celebrated “Golddiggers” a prominent, rotating singing and dancing troupe.
Another unforgettable moment came when boxing legend Muhammad Ali invited her to attend the historic “Thrilla in Manila” fight in the Philippines.
Looking back, Kennedy describes those experiences as transformative moments that expanded her view of the world and elevated her career to new heights.
Faith Through Every Challenge
Throughout her career, Kennedy said faith remained the foundation that carried her through life’s most difficult moments.
In an industry often filled with rejection, uncertainty, and obstacles, she refused to allow setbacks to define her path.
“Faith was always pivotal because there were so many times when people would tell you no, especially in Hollywood. No, no, no, maybe a thousand times, and then finally someone says yes. Then you start all over again, start over again, and start over again. It’s a really difficult, challenging industry, but I never gave up. I just always kept saying, well, if that door doesn’t open, try a different way.”
Launching a Fragrance Inspired by Her Life
Alongside the release of Plain Jayne, Kennedy introduced her signature luxury fragrance collection featuring two scents: Sun and Moon.
The fragrances were intentionally designed to reflect on her personal story.
The bottles contain 24-karat gold flakes and East African opals, her birthstone. Kennedy also incorporated notes inspired by her family history, including elements connected to her mother’s upbringing on a tobacco farm.
“I wanted everything to be a part of me,” she said.
The fragrances are refillable and available alongside her memoir and merchandise through her website.
Hope for the Future
When asked about the next generation of journalists and media professionals, Kennedy expressed both hope and concern.
She acknowledged the challenges facing society today, including political division and rapid technological change, while encouraging young people to remain committed to progress.
“I hope we’ll be able to find a way to have peace,” Kennedy said. “And I would love to see us continue the development and footprint of women in this world.”
A Legacy of Mentorship and Service
While many know Kennedy for her accomplishments in television and entertainment, she hopes readers will discover a different side of her through her memoir Plain Jayne.
Beyond the spotlight, Kennedy has dedicated much of her life to mentoring young people, supporting educational initiatives, and raising funds for charitable causes.
She proudly recalled helping several young women earn college soccer scholarships through mentorship and guidance.
Kennedy has also worked extensively with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, helping raise money for children’s healthcare initiatives across North America.
As readers turn the pages, they will discover not only the story of a groundbreaking Black woman pioneer, but also a woman whose life has been defined by resilience, faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
For Kennedy, the message remains simple:
“Keep moving forward.”
For more information about Jayne Kennedy’s memoir Plain Jayne, her signature fragrances Sun and Moon, upcoming appearances, visit her official website at www.jaynekennedy.com.
