Martha Stewart has made history as Sports Illustrated’s oldest cover model for its annual swimsuit edition at the age of 81. The renowned television personality and cook shares the honor with three other cover models: actor Megan Fox, model Brooks Nader, and musician Kim Petras. This year’s edition aims to celebrate powerful women who live without limitations, both internally and externally.
In an interview about her cover, Stewart expressed her excitement at being on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, stating that she thought it was “pretty good” and recognized the historical significance of being the oldest person ever to grace the cover. Despite not thinking about age much, she acknowledged the uniqueness of the opportunity and humorously mentioned that her friend and frequent collaborator, Snoop Dogg, would find it fantastic.
Stewart’s cover shoot, captured by photographer Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic, marks her as the oldest woman to pose for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue, surpassing Maye Musk, model and mother of Elon Musk, who posed at the age of 74 in 2022.
Taking to Instagram, Stewart shared her motto of embracing change and the opportunity of a lifetime, hoping that her cover would inspire others to challenge themselves regardless of their stage in life.
Martha Stewart, often referred to as the “OG of influencers” by Sports Illustrated, rose to fame in the 1980s through her cookbooks and television appearances. Since then, she has authored 99 books, hosted multiple cooking shows, launched her lifestyle magazine, and introduced various lines of clothing, cooking, and home products.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s editor-in-chief, MJ Day, described Stewart as someone who never allowed circumstances to dictate her outcome and commended her for being ahead of the times. Stewart’s ability to adapt and build a wide-reaching business empire has been a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit.
Kim Petras, one of the cover models alongside Stewart, also made history as the second trans woman to appear on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover. She emphasized that life is not defined by gender or sexuality but by how individuals make the most of their opportunities and what lies within them.
Martha Stewart’s appearance on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover at the age of 81 is a remarkable testament to her enduring influence and ability to break barriers. Her presence alongside other accomplished women reflects a celebration of strength, diversity, and empowerment.