Martha Stewart, oldest model to grace SI Swimsuit cover.

Martha Stewart Makes History as Oldest Model on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover

At 81 years old, Martha Stewart has just become the oldest model to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The magazine released one of four covers for the 2023 edition, featuring the TV personality, businesswoman, and author in a white swimsuit with a gold wrap.

“Usually I’m motivated by pay. But this time I was motivated by showing people that a woman my age could still look good, feel good, be good,” Stewart said. “I thought that this is kind of historic and that I better look really good.”

Stewart hopes that her appearance on the cover will inspire other women to feel confident and beautiful at any age. “That’s one of my mottos, when you’re through changing, you’re through,” she added. “Change is very good. Evolution is very good, just trying new things.”

A Legend in the Making

SI Swimsuit magazine editor MJ Day called Stewart “a legend” and defended her choice to feature her on the cover. “Never in her life has she let her circumstances dictate her outcome,” Day said. “She’s changed with the times—always one step ahead, it seems—to build a wide-reaching business empire.”

While the industry may waver on its arbitrary notion of beauty, the SI Swimsuit Issue has stayed the course, showcasing women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. The very first issue hit store shelves in 1964 and has featured fashion models, influencers, and celebrities from all over the world. Female athletes like former UFC fighter Ronda Rousey and former Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn have also been featured in recent years.

Elon Musk’s mother, Maye, was previously the oldest model to appear on an SI Swimsuit cover. She was featured in the 2022 issue at age 74.

Martha Stewart continues to make her mark, inspiring women everywhere to embrace change and try new things.

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