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Tim Tebow’s wife writes a book and rebuilds her identity after Miss Universe
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Tim Tebow’s wife writes a book and rebuilds her identity after Miss Universe

Demi-Leigh Tebow misses home.

On Monday in New York, during her multi-city tour to promote “A Crown That Lasts: You Are Not Your Label,” her self-help book and autobiography, the former Miss Universe thought about Saturday, her final stop. She is in Jacksonville, where she lives with her husband Tim Tebow, the former University of Florida and NFL quarterback turned sportscaster, and their three dogs.

Being home again, he said, “sounds great.”

Tebow, 29, has spent several years of introspection preparing to write her debut as an author. The South African native knew she had a message to share — how to discover your purpose when you have to give up a big part of your identity, like a Miss Universe crown — but she had to spend time looking inward first.

“It’s been a long process and not always easy,” she said. “There were times when I had to dig deep, remove the labels society put on me, overcome the mistakes I made and the pain I experienced. But one thing remained: the calling and responsibility I felt to share this message with the world.”

W Publishing, which published the book on Tuesday, said Tebow’s work “features his vulnerable reflections on the complexities of linking personal identity to success, navigating faith, and using his voice to create positive impact. From overcoming unexpected detours to finding a greater purpose, Tebow’s heartfelt debut is sure to strike a chord with a wide audience and readers alike.”

What does Demi-Leigh Tebow say about her Miss Universe crown?

Tebow acknowledged that having to give up a crown — and the fame and glory that comes with it — may not be something most readers can relate to, but losing a part of one’s identity is something for those who have lost jobs or careers or for childless parents grieving the loss of children who left home for college, he said.

“It’s a big part of their lives,” he said.

Don’t take her as an expert: “I don’t have it all together,” she said, but Tebow hopes others can learn from her experiences. “I want every reader to be able to apply it to their own life,” she said.

The goal, he said, is to “believe in your own worth.”

One of her tags was Miss Universe 2017. Although she greatly valued the experience, by the time she handed over the title to the 2018 winner, she felt a little adrift. She had developed personal ties to the crown.

“That didn’t last, I had to return it,” he said.

What’s next for Demi-Leigh Tebow?

For years, Tebow had been on a mission to advance his career and work toward the “next achievement, the next prize,” he said. “Who am I now?” he asked himself. “What’s next?”

Then came self-reflection. “I had to unravel my identity,” she said.

Tebow compared what needed to happen next to gardening: planting seeds of purpose, removing the “weeds of doubt” and working toward a “flourishing” life.

When she looked inside herself, she realized that those seeds had to represent “things in life that last forever,” unlike the wreaths. She had to find a purpose “bigger than myself,” she said.

What happened to Demi-Leigh Tebow when she was Miss South Africa?

The answer came from her boarding school years, where she discovered her passion for serving people, and from a traumatic carjacking when she was Miss South Africa. As Miss Universe, she had used her new international platform to campaign against gender-based violence.

The initiative, called “Unbreakable,” aimed to “equip vulnerable women to seek help and empower them with the skills and knowledge to prevent unwanted violence,” according to its website.

What is the Tim Tebow Foundation doing to combat human trafficking?

In her post-contest life, Tebow has continued with Unbreakable, which includes a “confidence-building conference” with keynote speeches, practical workshops and advice from psychology and self-defense experts. She has also taken on a new topic, human trafficking, in collaboration with her husband’s nonprofit, the Tim Tebow Foundation.

At first, she wondered if her and the foundation’s efforts could even “make a dent” in the fight against human trafficking, which affects an estimated 50 million people worldwide and generates an estimated $150 billion in annual profits, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Then she realized that helping save “one more life” made a difference.

“I have a big heart to fight for women around the world,” she said. “Helping women gives me great joy.”

He also founded The Tebow Group, which is a talent management and investment firm, among other things.

What does Demi-Leigh Tebow say about her husband Tim?

Tebow began writing the book in July 2023. Her husband since 2020, an accomplished author, supported her, running a hot bath for her neck pain, bringing her coffee and snacks and cheering her on.

“I’m so grateful to Tim and the experiences he’s had,” she said. “He’s a huge support in my life and had a huge influence on the book. He’s my best friend.”

Gene Frenette: Tebow’s overall impact off the field is Hall of Fame-worthy

Tebow finished “A Crown That Lasts” in three months. Her tendency to seek perfection led her to rewrite the book, but she eventually gave up. Only God can produce perfection, she said.

The same mentality applies to the Tebow home, where a sign proclaims: “Welcome if you love dog hair.”

“I miss my dogs,” she said.

[email protected], (904) 359-4109

If you go

Demi-Leigh Tebow’s “A Crown That Lasts” book signing event will take place Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Books-A-Million, 738 Marsh Landing Parkway in Jacksonville Beach. Tickets are $36.38 and include a copy of “A Crown That Lasts.” To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/demi-leigh-tebow-a-crown-that-lasts-book-signing-event-tickets-945605711137.

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