Martha Stewart, the iconic businesswoman, and presenter, has made history by becoming the oldest-ever cover model for Sports Illustrated’s renowned annual swimsuit edition at the remarkable age of 81.
Alongside three other captivating cover models, Megan Fox, musician Kim Petras, and model Brooks Nader, Stewart graces the magazine’s pages, showcasing her timeless beauty and confidence in a series of swimsuits captured during a photo shoot in the captivating Dominican Republic.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated on BBC, Martha Stewart expressed her desire to inspire women and shared her excitement about appearing on the cover.
Reflecting on the significance of her achievement, she remarked, “I don’t think about age very much, but I thought that this is kind of historic and that I better look really good.” The magazine’s front page features Stewart in a stunning white one-piece swimsuit captured by the talented Colombian-born photographer Ruven Afanador.
Taking to Instagram, Stewart wrote, “My motto has always been: ‘When you’re through changing, you’re through,’ so I thought, why not be up for this opportunity of a lifetime?” She hoped the cover would inspire others to embrace new experiences and fearlessly challenge themselves, regardless of their stage in life.
Martha Stewart emphasized the value of change, evolution, and fearlessness, encouraging readers to embrace these qualities.
Martha Stewart’s journey to success began in the 1970s when she established a catering business. Her ascent to stardom occurred in the 1990s with the launch of her magazine, Martha Stewart Living. This began her influential media empire, eventually propelling her to billionaire status.
However, in 2004, Martha Stewart faced a significant setback when she was sentenced to five months in prison following a conviction related to an insider trading scandal. Undeterred, she embarked on a mission to rebuild her brand, starring in her reality television show, expanding her line of food products, and collaborating with rapper and close friend Snoop Dogg for a television series in 2016.
Before Martha Stewart’s groundbreaking feat, the oldest individual to grace the Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover was Maye Musk, the mother of billionaire Elon Musk, who posed at 74.
Martha Stewart’s achievement showcases her enduring beauty and serves as a testament to the power of reinvention and the limitless possibilities life offers, regardless of age or past challenges.
