Homecoming Queen Goes Viral for Gifting Crown to Student Grieving Her Mother

Homecoming queen Nyla Covington has warmed the hearts of many after she gifted her crown to her friend who lost her mother to cancer that same day.

Brittany Walters’ mother, A.J. Walters, passed away from cancer on the morning of homecoming at Forrest County Agricultural High School in Mississippi. When Nyla was named homecoming queen, she decided to give her crown to Brittany, who was accompanied by her father Sean Walters.

“All I could think about was my mom and how she wanted to be here, and then the next thing I know, Nyla walked towards me, and she hugged me,” Brittany Walters told WLOX. “I just didn’t really think anything of it, and then she started to take off her crown.” Nyla Covington said that when she first told her friend the crown belonged to her, she backed away. “I was like, ‘No, come here, get it, you’re your mom’s queen,’” said Nyla. “I wanted her to know that, and then I hugged her.”

Before she passed away, Brittany’s mother A.J. made her husband promise that she would accompany their daughter to homecoming because she realized she might not make it until then. “She made me promise her that I was going to come out here with Brittany because she didn’t want to ruin her day,” he said. “She said that’s something she’ll remember for the rest of her life.”

Longtime friend of the Walters, Tyra Willamor-Idon, told KTVU, “I think A.J. was there that day and working through Nyla. … A.J. was a beam of light, she loved people and always showed everyone love. Nyla just listened to her heart and gave selflessly.”