Country superstar Carrie Underwood, pop star Taylor Swift and TV host extraordinaire Jimmy Fallon consistently demonstrate "honor, dignity and mannerly conduct," according to a new survey. In fact, the trio of newsmakers are among 25 personalities who most embody those enviable character traits in the past 25 years.
The National League of Junior Cotillions publishes an annual list of the 10 best-mannered people of any given year. This year, to mark their 25th year, the NLJC instead published a list of the 25 Best-Mannered People of the Past 25 Years.
Jimmy Fallon tops the list for "maintaining the dignity and respect of others through his comedic disposition as the host of 'The Tonight Show.'" Underwood comes in at No. 13, "for consistently demonstrating courtesy to her fans." And Swift wraps up the list at No. 25, "for inspiring young fans with her music and mannerly conduct."
"The selections are made based on each person's commitment to honor, dignity and mannerly conduct," says NLJC President Charles Winters. "We feel the twenty-five individuals named have distinguished themselves through excellence of character and conduct and applaud them for their contributions to society."
Here are The Twenty-Five Best-Mannered People of the Past Twenty-Five Years:
1. Jimmy Fallon - for maintaining the dignity and respect of others through his comedic disposition as the host of "The Tonight Show."
2. David Muir - for courageous reporting, courteous treatment of interview subjects, and integrity in telling the stories of this generation.
3. Peyton Manning - for displaying good sportsmanship, both on and off the field, as quarterback for the Denver Broncos.
4. Barbara Bush - for demonstrating grace and poise as First Lady.
5. Bob Hope - for congeniality in entertaining the American people.
6. Michael J. Fox - for courage in facing Parkinson's disease as a public figure.
7. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) - for portraying poise, elegance, and grace in the public spotlight.
8. Nelson Mandela - for peacefully working towards democracy and equality for all people.
9. Victoria Soto - for giving her life to defend students from the shooter at Sandy Hook Elementary.
10. Phil Mickelson - for exhibiting grace in defeat and graciousness in victory.
11. Tom Hanks - for demonstrating kindness to all and humility in fame.
12. Mother Theresa - for dedicating her life to charity and serving the underprivileged of the world.
13. Carrie Underwood - for consistently demonstrating courtesy to her fans.
14. Warren Buffet - for balancing great success with great philanthropy.
15. Malala Yousafzai - for bravery and courage in the face of adversity.
16. S. Truett Cathy - for building a business based on excellence in customer service.
17. Ralph Lauren - for demonstrating the importance of "dressing for success."
18. Pope Francis - for dedicating his life to spreading a message of love to all.
19. Derek Jeter - for displaying good sportsmanship as a baseball player and role model throughout his career.
20. Oprah Winfrey - for consistently treating her guests with dignity and respect.
21. Gabrielle Giffords - for strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.
22. Sandra Bullock - for elegance and excellence as an actress.
23. Billy Graham - for his dedication to family values.
24. Robin Roberts - for extending warmth and kindness to her guests as an anchor on Good Morning America.
25. Taylor Swift - for inspiring young fans with her music and mannerly conduct.
Cotillion students and directors nationwide nominate individuals for the "Ten Best-Mannered People" award each year.
The National League of Junior Cotillions is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and has licensed chapters throughout the United States. It hosts the popular cotillion website and etiquette blog (www.nljc.com).
