Renowned television personality Martha Stewart, known for her culinary skills and lifestyle expertise, has shattered records by becoming the oldest cover model for Sports Illustrated’s iconic swimsuit edition at the age of 81. This groundbreaking achievement highlights Stewart’s timeless beauty and reinforces the magazine’s commitment to celebrating empowered women who defy limitations, both within themselves and in society. Sharing the spotlight with Stewart are the equally formidable talents of actor Megan Fox, model Brooks Nader, and musician Kim Petras.
Reflecting on her unprecedented cover feature, Martha Stewart expressed her excitement, stating, “When I learned that I would grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, I thought, ‘Well, that’s quite an accomplishment.’ I believe I am the oldest individual ever to be featured in this prestigious publication.” Demonstrating her trademark wit, she added, “While age isn’t something I dwell upon, I do recognize the historical significance of this moment and the importance of looking my absolute best.”
The captivating photographs of Martha Stewart, captured by the talented Ruven Afanador against the picturesque backdrop of the Dominican Republic, have already sparked curiosity about the reaction of her close friend and frequent collaborator, Snoop Dogg. When asked about his thoughts on her cover, Stewart playfully responded, “Snoop is undoubtedly going to find it absolutely fantastic.”
With this momentous appearance, Martha Stewart surpasses the previous record held by Maye Musk, mother of entrepreneur Elon Musk, who graced the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover at the age of 74 in 2022. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, Stewart conveyed her philosophy of embracing change, saying, “My life’s motto has always been: ‘When you stop evolving, you cease to live.’ So, why not seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? I hope this cover inspires you to push your own boundaries and embrace new experiences, regardless of where you are in life.”
Often referred to as the “OG of influencers” by Sports Illustrated, Martha Stewart first rose to prominence in the 1980s with her acclaimed cookbooks and captivating television appearances. Since then, she has published an impressive 99 books, hosted numerous successful cooking shows, launched a widely read lifestyle magazine, and introduced her own lines of fashion, culinary, and home products. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s editor-in-chief, MJ Day, praised Stewart’s extraordinary resilience, stating, “Throughout her life, she has refused to let circumstances dictate her destiny. Continually evolving and consistently ahead of the curve, she has built an empire that transcends boundaries.”
In another moment of representation and inclusivity, Kim Petras, a talented musician, joins the illustrious ranks of Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover models. As the second transgender woman to grace the cover, following in the footsteps of Leyna Bloom’s groundbreaking appearance in 2021, Petras celebrates the power of embracing one’s true self. In a heartfelt video showcasing her cover shoot, Petras remarked, “Irrespective of your gender or sexual orientation, what truly matters is how you embrace life and the authenticity that radiates from within.”
Martha Stewart’s triumphant feat and Kim Petras’ inspiring representation serve as reminders that age, gender, or any other societal construct should never impede our pursuit of greatness. Their indomitable spirits and unwavering commitment to personal growth continue to inspire generations to push beyond limitations and embrace their true potential.
