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‘Miss Teen Lynden WA USA’ and ‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ star Kailia Posey dies at 16

Kailia Posey, who rose to fame on the TLC reality series “Toddlers & Tiaras,” has died, her mom announced. She recently celebrated her 16th birthday.

“I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone,” Kailia’s mother, Marcy Posey Gatterman, said in a Facebook post on Monday, May 2.

“Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever.” A cause of death has not been shared.

I don’t have words or any thoughts. A beautiful baby girl is gone. Please give us privacy as we mourn the loss of Kailia. My baby forever.

Posted by Marcy Posey Gatterman on Monday, May 2, 2022

“Toddlers & Tiaras” aired for seven seasons beginning in 2009 and showcased young girls competing at beauty pageants.

Kailia began doing pageants when she was 3 years old, her mother said on “Toddlers & Tiaras”

“She’s a pro once she hits that stage,” her mom said on the show. “She’ll say she’s nervous, but once she hits that stage she is a pro. She’s going to beat you — every time.”

Kailia’s Instagram shows she continued to do pageants well after her time on the TLC show. She recently competed in the Miss Washington Teen USA pageant.

Many also know Kailia through a popular meme and GIF, in which she is called the “grinning girl.”

Others remember her for her “contagious smile” and being a “magnificent performer.”

You will be missed Kailia. Your contagious smile would light up the room.. shine bright sweetheart. I am just in...

Posted by Kayla Salazar on Monday, May 2, 2022

I met this precious girl Kailia Deliz Posey the day Abby Sheffield and Mallory Sheffield started their pageant life...

Posted by Christie Reddoch Sheffield on Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Woke up to some very sad news this morning. There are really no words at this time that can make this easier. Our...

Posted by Natasha Shunta Winn on Tuesday, May 3, 2022

My heart BREAKS for this newly 16-year old beautiful soul . I met this beautiful pageant superstar a few years ago at...

Posted by Kyle Nicholas on Tuesday, May 3, 2022

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