Career
In 1970, Shelton competed in the Mission Virginia United States of America pageant to spite her then boyfriend. Shelton then went on to the Mission Universe contest in Miami, Florida in July where she placed first runner-up to Marisol Malaret of Puerto Rico. She described competing at Mission Universe as "perhaps her greatest experience".
During her reign, Shelton travelled across the United States and internationally, including visits to Japan, Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Puerto Rico.
Shelton was born in Washington, District of Columbia and grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. She graduated from Norview High School and attended Old Dominion University.
Prior to winning her first pageant title, Shelton was enrolled in a pre-medical. After college, she moved to New York City where she studied acting, modeled, and appeared on television commercials.
In March 1974, she appeared on the cover of Playboy Magazine.
She later starred in the 1984 film Body Double and made frequent guest appearances on television series such as Fantasy Island, The A-Team, T. J. Hooker, The Fall Guy, Cheers, The Love Boat, Riptide, and Get a Life. In 2008, she was cast to play a rich housewife in the American television series Nip/Tuck. Her most notable television performance is the role of Mandy Winger, one of J. R. Ewing"s more memorable mistresses in Dallas.
After the character left the show, an outpouring of fan mail convinced the producers to bring the character back.
Shelton appeared in the series from 1984 to 1987. She also had a role on The Yellow Rose, a "critically acclaimed flop".
During 2012, Shelton made a guest appearance on the newly revived Dallas - she portrayed her old character Mandy Winger for JR Ewing"s memorial service.