WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The North Carolina Azalea Festival has officially announced this year’s Queen Azalea.
According to festival organizers, film, television and stage actress Elaine Hendrix is the 2026 Queen Azalea.
Hendrix is known for her roles in various movies, television shows and stage productions such as “The Parent Trap,” “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion,” “Friends,” “Two and a Half Men” and “Hello, Dolly!”
She is also an author, co-producer of an Off-Broadway show, and an award-winning advocate for animal rights, LGBTQ+ equality, women’s rights and environmental justice.
As Queen, Hendrix will take part in festival events, including:
Celebrity ReceptionAirlie Garden PartyBluewater After Garden Get DownQueen’s Dance Party, ParadeAppearances at the Street Fair Performing Arts Stage
She will officially be crowned Queen Azalea on Wednesday, April 8, at 3 p.m. at the Battleship North Carolina.
The 79th annual Azalea Festival is set to take place from April 8 through 12.
Copyright 2026 WECT. All rights reserved.