Miss Universe organization’s backbone and President, Paula Shugart, has announced her exit from the organization after 25 years of dedicated service. She made the announcement in a speech following the National Costume show in El Salvador.

Shugart began her speech by applauding El Salvador for hosting Miss Universe this year. It was the country's first time to host Miss Universe since 1975. She then proceeded to announce she would be ending her presidential tenure after the finale night.

Paula Shugart, through her official social media, announced her retirement as she wrote, “Goodbye, Universe! Thank you for the greatest adventure anyone could ever wish for. It has been an honor and a privilege to guide this brand as president through thick and thin for over 20 years. Thank you to our fans, directors and the amazing titleholders I have been blessed to meet throughout the years. You are what makes Miss Universe great! I love you all! And to avoid speculation…… I am definitely not retiring. I will see you all soon!”

This makes Miss Universe 2022 Rbonney Gabriel the last Miss Universe queen of the Paula era. Paula was the backbone holding the organization together through all the era changes as well. Her dedication to the organization to bring an impactful change is highly appreciated and applauded by the whole Miss Universe fandom.

Miss Universe 2023, the 72nd edition, will be held on 18th November 2023 at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador where Rbonney Gabriel of USA will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.