Plain Jayne

A Memoir

De: Jayne Kennedy

Narrado por: Jayne Kennedy

From award-winning actress and sports broadcaster Jayne Kennedy comes a compelling, inspirational, and unflinchingly honest memoir about her rise in Hollywood and beyond.

Jayne Kennedy is one of the most photographed, glamorous, and intriguing women ever to set foot in Hollywood. Perhaps best known for her groundbreaking work in 1978–1980 on the Emmy Award–winning CBS program The NFL Today, she’s an icon and trailblazer in every sense of the word. From becoming the first Black woman to win Miss Ohio USA, to being the only woman to host the long-running syndicated television show Greatest Sports Legends, and pioneering the fitness industry with her bestselling Love Your Body exercise videos and fitness programs, nobody has had a career trajectory quite like Jayne. And she has never gone on the record about her personal experiences and the resulting joys and scars—until now.

Her candid and conversational storytelling will endear her once again to her existing fans as well as open her up to a new audience that will admire her message of resilience and empowerment. Jayne has long been a beacon of Black and female excellence and has opened doors for female talent and media executives. Inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in their Television and the Media Landscape exhibit, Jayne is indeed a pioneer. Tracing her upbringing in Ohio and her journey shattering glass ceilings in American contemporary culture, Plain Jayne is a breathtaking story of endurance, survival, and achievement.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Jayne Kennedy (P)2025 Audible, Inc.

Very Nice

This book was beautifully written. Even when she had to speak about some unpleasant moments she handled those moments with grace. The narration was also top notch.

Inspirational and beautiful story

I love that Jayne Kennedy Overton is reading the book. You can hear how lovely she is through her reading. She is so wonderfully emotive. She shares her history, her trailblazing career, her journey and her insight. It’s such an inspiring and beautiful story. It’s never too late and don’t forget all the people, like Jayne Kennedy-Overton, who have blazed a trail for all that is possible now.

“All that glitters is not gold”

An honest and emotional portrayal of a life well lived and the legacy created. Many unknown stories that occurred behind all the smiles shown on the outside. “All that’s glitters is not gold”. Wonderfully read by the author.

Joy in Jayne's Voice

OMG. I've waited so long for this! I'm so glad my icon is doing well and happy! This book answered so many questions for me. I wish celebrities would know and understand that there are more people that love and care about them then those that criticize them. I have missed seeing
Mrs Jane Kennedy Overton in the spotlight. What I love most about her book is you can hear the joy the present joy in her voice and laughter. I also like the fact that this audible version consist of only Jayne's voice no music no theatrics just her voice! I'm inspired and will also read my hard copy when it comes. Love and congratulations to you Jayne,🩷.

Lovely

This was a great read. I will definitely let others know how much I enjoyed hearing Ms. Jaynes story in her own words.

Thru the lens of a trailblazer

This book is absolutely phenomenal! I especially love how the Jayne Harrison Kennedy takes you on a journey from the past to the present and into the future—it truly felt cinematic, like a movie that draws you in from the very first scene all the way to the end, without ever giving too much away.

What resonated most with me was how she wove in powerful life lessons, moments of liberation, love, and growth. She shares the doors she walked through, the challenges she overcame, and the way she blazed trails to set new standards and create opportunities that are often out of reach for so many.

I’m deeply grateful that she wrote this book—it is inspiring, uplifting, and a true gift. Without a doubt, this is an awesome read and an absolute must-read!!!

Thank you!

You are still the Most Beautiful Woman I have ever seen! I so enjoyed your story. I was hanging on every word. I felt every statement and feel I walked this journey with you. Your father and mother. Amazing. I’m sorry for your loss. Thank you for writing this book. Signed a former black tomboy.

A beautiful life not free of challenges

I really, really enjoyed the reading of this beautiful memoir, people assume that physically beautiful women have no challenges, however, as this memoir depicts, not always so, especially for a black woman, no matter how beautiful, no matter how smart, no matter the amount of melanin concentration, it is not a cakewalk, even today

A Huge Fan!

I loved hearing about Jayne's memories from her own voice. She did so much and trailblazed in so many ways. I found this book showcasing her beauty inside, as well as out, her grace, kindness, beautiful heart, vulnerability, honesty, and humility. I am glad to hear how much she accomplished despite not receiving all she deserved. The book affirmed why I am still a huge fan and cheerleader that awaits and wishes the best for Miss Jayne Harrison Kennedy Overton!

Wow

Incredible story of courage and dignity in Hollywood. A must read for young and old alike.