Actress Elaine Hendrix talks upcoming role as 2026 Azalea Festival queen

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Actress Elaine Hendrix says she was “honored” and surprised when she learned she would serve as the 2026 Queen Azalea for the North Carolina Azalea Festival.

Hendrix, known for roles in films including The Parent Trap and Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, will take part in several events during the 79th annual festival in Wilmington, scheduled for April 8–12.

Speaking in an interview with WWAY, Hendrix said she previously attended the festival as part of the celebrity court and did not expect to be asked to serve as queen.

“I’m so honored,” Hendrix said. “I’ve actually been to the festival before as part of the court. I never would have imagined that they would call me to be the queen.”

Hendrix said she is especially looking forward to meeting festivalgoers and experiencing the community that supports the event.

“I’m a real people person, so I am excited to meet everyone who loves this festival,” she said. “I know it’s such a beloved part of the community.”

She said she hopes people attending the festival leave with a sense of joy.

“My main theme these days is experiencing and sharing joy,” Hendrix said. “That’s what I’m bringing to it and that’s what I want people to take away from it.”

Hendrix is currently traveling as part of the Dancing with the Stars tour after finishing as a finalist on the most recent season of the television competition show.

“Today is literally my first day on the tour,” she said during the interview. “I loved the experience on the show, so I’m looking forward to connecting with all the fans who helped me get to the finale.”

She also recently reunited with her The Parent Trap co-star Lindsay Lohan while working on the upcoming film Freakier Friday.

“It was like a mini family reunion,” Hendrix said. “The last time I had seen Lindsay, she was 11 and now she’s all grown up.”

Hendrix said she has spent time in North Carolina previously, including filming in the Charlotte area and working with animal rescue organizations in the state.

“I’m a big animal activist,” she said. “I’ve done some rescue work in North Carolina and worked with various organizations to assist animals.”

As Queen Azalea, Hendrix will be crowned April 8 aboard the Battleship North Carolina and is expected to appear at several festival events, including the parade and other public celebrations.