Embracing unity and leaving a lasting mark on our community, state, and nation through the power of prayer and positive influence is the overarching aspiration of Kelly Smith.
My friendship with Kelly dates back to our middle school days, where her remarkable ability to sway opinions and bring people together was already evident. I fondly recall our bus rides to track meets, during which Kelly effortlessly impersonated Cher. Little did she know that this talent would later become a paid gig, featuring impersonations of both Cher and Shania Twain.
In 1991, Kelly embarked on her singing career in Branson with the Baldknobbers, gaining a dedicated fan base. Fast forward to the summer of 1998, when she auditioned for the role of Cher's voice in the ABC special “And the Beat Goes On.” The call at 6 a.m. in October confirming her selection marked the beginning of a memorable week in Los Angeles, recording all of Cher's vocals for the movie. This catapulted Kelly into the spotlight, with media coverage, appearances on “Entertainment Tonight,” and even gracing the front cover of USA Today.
Subsequently, she performed as Cher at “Legends in Concert” from 2000 to 2016, showcasing her talents in various cities worldwide. Kelly's repertoire expanded to include impersonating Shania Twain and Olivia Newton-John. After an encounter with Olivia Newton-John, this meeting led to a collaborative effort, with Kelly performing as Olivia in the star's hometown.
In 2014, following a successful stint in Las Vegas, Kelly returned to the Ozarks and was offered the co-host position on Ozarks Live with KOLR 10.
Despite her initial reservations, she excelled in the role and later transitioned to co-host the morning show on KOLR 10's Fox affiliate, Ozarks Fox AM, remaining in that position until January 2023.
Now, entering a new phase with a patriotic focus, Kelly has launched United Women, We the Nation. Motivated by her deep interest in politics and a concern for the evolving state of the nation, Kelly aims to provide a platform for like-minded women to unite in prayer for the United States. The mission is clear: “United, we American women stand strong, devoted through prayer to shaping our nation's destiny.”
Recognizing the power of prayer in affecting change, Kelly encourages women to contribute by emailing a 45-second to 1-minute prayer, addressing local, state, or national issues close to their hearts through a prayer. The hope is that this faith-based platform will inspire others to uplift leaders, fostering wisdom, guidance, and positive impact on our community and nation. Kelly emphasizes that, in the face of challenging times, prayer is a potent force to navigate and shape our nation's future, preserving the fundamental rights laid out in the Constitution.
Kelly aspires for individuals to recognize the impact of their voices and understand that through their participation in this endeavor, they can shape the future of our country through prayer and solidarity with like-minded women who share similar concerns and objectives.
Kelly exclaimed, “Women exhibit formidable strength when it comes to safeguarding their families and ensuring the well-being of their children; their influence is undeniable. God has instilled in us a desire for the safety and blessings of our children, and even future generations. Never underestimate the potency of a praying mother, sister, or wife!”
As Romans 8:31 wisely declares, “What then shall we say to these things, If God is for us, who can be against us.”
United Women, We the Nation is not just a call to prayer but a collective effort to ensure the continued prosperity of the freedoms on which our great nation was founded.
To reach United Women, We the Nation, email unitedwomenus@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.
