by Suzie Rippy
When she makes her dramatic entrance during the 2026 Texas Rose Festival Queen’s Coronation, Claire Ann Malone will be continuing a legacy that dates back generations. Chosen to serve as the 93rd Queen of the Texas Rose Festival, Claire will be ushering in a reign that will be remembered for its grace and artistry and will embody a deep sense of family tradition. The daughter of Anna and Brandon Malone, Claire is a junior at the University of Arkansas, where she is pursuing a degree in hospitality management and is a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Texas Rose Festival President David Dial upheld a festival tradition by visiting with each court member to personally invite them to join the 2026 Court. During Thanksgiving break, Dial surprised Claire at her family’s home, accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and presented her with a big bouquet of red roses. “It was the biggest surprise of my life,” said Claire. “I am so grateful to President Dial for giving me the opportunity to represent our beautiful city and to honor the history and legacy of the rose industry. The first rose growers and festival founders would truly be amazed to see what a treasured tradition this festival has become.”
Claire served as royal attendant to her cousin, 2013 Queen Rachel Clyde, and hopes that the pure joy she felt then will translate into this years’ experience. “I am excited and honored to serve as the Queen of the festival along with Princess Brynn Ballard, the Duchess of the Rose Growers, Emmy Brewer, and all the members of this incredible court, filled with some of my lifelong friends.” Escorting the queen will be close friend Clark Carter of Tyler. The all-important backstage dressers to the queen will be Lynda Evans and her daughter, 2017 Rose Queen Emily Evans Fisher.
Claire’s extensive family involvement in the Texas Rose Festival began with her great-grandparents, Patsy Kittrell Clyde and Calvin Clyde, who participated in the 1939 festival. She joins an extensive roster of relatives who have been involved in past festivals, such as great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, dozens of cousins, and her sister. The seventh in her family to hold the title of Rose Queen, she adds her name to a list that includes Katherine (Kitty) Clyde, 1967; Eloise Clyde, 1974; Lora Beth Clyde, 1988; Sarah Clyde, 2008; Rachel Clyde, 2013; and her mom, Anna Clyde Malone, the 63rd Queen in 1996. “This year is a milestone because it marks the 30th anniversary of my mom’s reign, and I hope to be a strong ambassador like those who came before me and make my whole family proud,” said Claire. When asked if any of her numerous family members have given her advice, Claire said, “My mom has given me the best advice – stay calm. My cousins have all told me that it will be a great experience. Everyone has been so kind and supportive, and it makes me feel special and loved, and I know I will sense the support of the six Clyde queens who came before me.”
One of the most anticipated traditions of the festival is the grand reveal of the Queen’s costume during the Coronation. Working in tandem with costume designer Jacob Climer has been a fascinating experience, according to Claire. “It has been amazing to see Jacob’s talent firsthand. He described his vision for my costume, I gave him ideas and shared my thoughts, then we worked together to produce the final version, which is perfect!” Costumer Nicolas Villalba and his team, who have been constructing the Queen’s costume since 2022, are again responsible for fashioning the dress. “I can’t put into words how excited I am to see the completed version. It so perfectly ties the festival theme together,” said Claire.
The 2026 festival theme, Celebrations Through the Seasons, will be a journey through events that have shaped our lives, with costumes representing holidays and seasonal moments that bring joy to every corner of the calendar. “The Coronation chairs, Hallie Jennings and Virginia Keith, have created such an incredible and beautiful vision. I can’t wait to see it come to life, and for guests to our city to experience what will surely be an amazing production.”
When asked what aspects of the festival she feels are the most important, Claire replied, “The Queen’s Tea is so important to the festival because the whole city and all of the out-of-town guests are invited to experience the costumes in our beautiful rose garden. It will be my opportunity to greet the public and meet the visitors to Tyler in person.” She hopes that everyone, court and visitors alike, will enjoy the beauty and imagination of this shared celebration and have positive memories from this year’s festival. “As for me, I just want to stay in the moment and breathe in every experience. I know it will go by fast!”
As Queen Claire Malone welcomes the world to the 93rd annual Texas Rose Festival, her presence and deep connection to this living chapter of Tyler’s history honors those who came before and reminds us why the Texas Rose Festival has endured as one of the most elegant and meaningful civic traditions in our state.