Background
Barker was born in Galax, Virginia to father Kyle and mother Dolores (deceased 2006).
Barker was born in Galax, Virginia to father Kyle and mother Dolores (deceased 2006).
She attended Carroll County High School and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University where she earned a degree in clothing and textiles in 1978.
In 1986 the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Barker received pageant earnings of approximately $100,000. According to People.com she was also "Most Valuable Cheerleader 1974". The business (which she operated for thirteen years) closed in 1992.
In 1983, Gemcon Incorporated. published an audio book produced by Barker called Stamina with Style.
On 1 October 1984, Simon & Schuster published a book (Southern Beauty: A Total Fitness and Beauty Program for That Winning, All-American Look) that Barker co-wrote with Sherry Suib Cohen. Barker has acted as spokesperson for several corporations including: "Clairol, the Manmade Fiber Producer"s Association, The Palm Aire Spa, the Made in the United States of America Council", and the United States Sugar Association.
She also produced fashion shows for "the American Yarn Spinners Association, the America Textile Manufacturers Association and companies associated with the Crafted with Pride Council". Barker"s television appearances included reports for National Broadcasting Company’s Today Show, Cable News Network’s Crossfire, and Live with Regis and Kathie Lee.
Kylene was appointed to the Virginia Technical Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Barker won the Mission Pulaski County pageant, the Mission Virginia pageant in July 1978, and the Mission America 1979 pageant on 9 September 1978. Her talent performance at the Mission America pageant was gymnastics. During her year of service as Mission America, Barker signed a lease on a shop at 309 Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, and opened a dress shop called "D. Kylene" (the "Doctorate" stood for Danice). In 1979 she appeared on the Donny and Marie television show (episode #43) as herself in the role of Mission America.
