Cheslie Kryst’s Memoir Chronicles Life Beyond the Crown
In a poignant testament to the enduring spirit of Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, her first memoir, “By The Time You Read This,” is set to be released posthumously on April 23rd. Co-authored by her devoted mother, April Simpkins, the memoir delves into the depths of Kryst’s journey, illuminating the shadows of her battle with depression and mental illness.
Triumph Amidst Tribulation
Kryst’s ascent to the pinnacle of pageantry in 2019, at the age of 28, was a historic moment. However, the euphoria of her victory was marred by the onslaught of online vitriol, echoing the insidious strains of racism and ageism. In a candid excerpt from her memoir, published in PEOPLE, Kryst courageously confronts the torment of online bullying, revealing the raw vulnerability beneath her crown.
“All of this only added to my long-standing insecurities—the feeling that everyone around me knew more than I did, that everyone else was better at my job, and that I didn’t deserve this title,” Kryst confides. “People would soon find out I was a fraud. I felt like an imposter, but not just in pageants.”
Her words resonate with a haunting authenticity, laying bare the psychological toll of societal pressures and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Tragically, Kryst’s radiant light was extinguished prematurely, leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled dreams and unspoken truths. Yet, in the aftermath of her untimely passing, her indomitable spirit endures. Simpkins, her steadfast guardian and co-author, honors Kryst’s final wish by shepherding her memoir to fruition.
“By The Time You Read This” stands as a testament to Kryst’s resilience, offering solace to those grappling with the shadows of mental illness. Moreover, a portion of the proceeds from the memoir will be channeled into the Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation, a beacon of hope for youth and young adults navigating the labyrinth of mental health challenges.
Unveiling the Veil of Silence
In the wake of Kryst’s departure, Simpkins has emerged as a beacon of candor, lifting the veil of silence shrouding her daughter’s inner turmoil. With unwavering honesty, she exposes the stark duality of Kryst’s existence—a public persona cloaked in radiant elegance, juxtaposed with the silent struggles of a soul grappling with high-functioning depression.
“Cheslie led both a public and a private life,” Simpkins reveals. “In her private life, she was dealing with high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone—including me, her closest confidant—until very shortly before her death.”
In honoring Kryst’s legacy, Simpkins embarks on a journey of remembrance, weaving together the fragmented threads of her daughter’s narrative with tender reverence and profound love.
A Call to Action
As the world prepares to embrace Kryst’s memoir, “By The Time You Read This,” let us heed the clarion call to destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health. Kryst’s courageous testimony serves as a rallying cry for compassion and understanding, urging us to extend a hand of empathy to those navigating the labyrinth of inner turmoil.
In the words of Kryst herself, “By the time you read this, may you find solace in the realization that you are not alone.”
In Memoriam
Cheslie Kryst may have departed this world, but her luminous legacy will forever illuminate the path toward healing and self-discovery. As her memoir takes flight, may her spirit soar unfettered, a testament to the enduring power of resilience in the face of adversity.