How did Jody Kelly die? The Amazing Race's oldest contestant, 85, loved adventures till the end

Jody Kelly competed on Season 16 of 'The Amazing Race' alongside her granddaughter Shannon Foster
UPDATED SEP 26, 2023
Jody Kelly, the oldest competitor in the history of 'The Amazing Race' is dead at 85 (Screenshot/CBS)
Jody Kelly, the oldest competitor in the history of 'The Amazing Race' is dead at 85 (Screenshot/CBS)

BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA: Jody Kelly, the star of 'The Amazing Race,' died at the age of 85.

A former 'The Amazing Race' contestant died unexpectedly while attending a Spanish language immersion program in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Her death was initially reported by the Austin American-Statesman. Jody died on Tuesday, September 5, according to the obituary, although she died peacefully.

Children Kate Leith, Kelly Foster, Christy Izmirian (Doug), Bruce Moore (Jayne), eleven granddaughters, eight great-grandchildren, and brother Bill and his wife, Lynda, survive the late CBS star.

According to Deadline, Jody maintained her interest in fitness, strength training, and triathlons after retiring.

Josephine
Josephine 'Jody' Kelly and Shannon Foster on 'The Amazing Race' Season 16 (Screenshot/CBS)

What happened to Jody Kelly on 'The Amazing Race'?

On 'The Amazing Race' Season 16, Josephine "Jody" Kelly and Shannon Foster were a grandmother-granddaughter pair.

Despite being near the rear of the pack for most of the race, Jody and Shannon kept a pleasant and happy attitude, grateful for the trip.

In the second leg, they were the sole team on the final bus reaching Puerto Varas.

Though they momentarily passed Louie Stravato and Michael Naylor, the detectives were able to re-pass them at the Roadblock after Jody spilled the milk after being struck by the cow, causing them to be eliminated in 10th place.

Josephine
Josephine 'Jodi' Kelly and Shannon Foster on 'The Amazing Race' Season 16 (Screenshot/CBS)

What happened to Jody Kelly after 'The Amazing Race'?

Following 'The Amazing Race,' Jody founded StrengthMobile, which provides physical training for the elderly, and in her 70s, she became a world-class athlete, racing in triathlon, aquathlon, and duathlon.

She competed for Team USA in the World Championships in Budapest (2010), London (2013), Cozumel (2016), and Pontevedra, Spain (2019).

She battled breast cancer in 2018 and then became a member of Paddles with a Purpose, a breast cancer survivor boat team.

Josephine
Josephine "Jody" Kelly and Shannon Foster on 'The Amazing Race' Season 16 (CBS)

When will 'The Amazing Race' Season 35 air?

The 35th season of the Emmy Award-winning reality series 'The Amazing Race' will feature an unprecedented 13 teams embarking on a 23,800-mile journey around the world.

The show involves two-person teams competing for a $1 million grand prize.

Teams will be eliminated as the season advances, with the prize money going to the first team to arrive at the final location.

According to CBS, Season 35 will feature the reintroduction of commercial travel, no non-elimination legs, the Express Pass, and a new twist on the U-turn.

'The Amazing Race' Season 35 to premiere on September 27 on CBS (Instagram/theamazingrace)
'The Amazing Race' Season 35 will premiere on September 27 on CBS (Instagram/@theamazingrace)

The 35th season begins with a 90-minute debut on Wednesday, September 27 at 9.30 pm ET, after the launch of the 45th season of 'Survivor'. The Season's 13 episodes will all be 90 minutes long.

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