Martha Stewart becomes oldest ever Sports Illustrated covergirl
Martha Stewart has cemented her place in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine’s history, becoming the oldest cover star in the history of the publication at 81 years old.
The celebrity chef’s photoshoot was revealed during her appearance on the US breakfast show Today, with her cover - Martha in a plunging white swimsuit with a billowing orange shirt - on full display, according to the New York Post.
“I like that picture,” Stewart admitted on the show, before noting that she was “sort of shaking”.
She went on to share that it had been “odd” to be snapped in her swimming costume “in front of all those people”, but that things had gone okay.
The photographer behind the shoot was Ruven Afanador, and it took place in the Dominican Republic, with Stewart donning no less than 10 swimsuits.
“When I heard that I was going to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, I thought, ‘oh, that’s pretty good, I’m going to be the oldest person I think ever on a cover of Sports Illustrated’,” Stewart told the magazine. “And I don’t think about age very much, but I thought that this is kind of historic.
“Age is not the determining factor in terms of friendship or in terms of success, but what people do, how people think, how people act, that’s what’s important and not your age.”
Fans were delighted, both with the photoshoot and with her take, and raced to social media to share their enthusiasm when the cover was revealed across Sports Illustrated’s various accounts - as well as Martha’s own.
Thrilled to be on cover of the @SI_Swimsuit issue! I hope this cover inspires you to challenge yourself to try new things. Pick up on newsstands May 18th! #SISwimsuit #SISwim23 @ruvenafanador pic.twitter.com/DsRgLr6crK
— Martha Stewart (@MarthaStewart) May 15, 2023
“Martha Stewart being the cover model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit was not on my 2023 bingo card but here we are!” one wrote. “She looks amazing!”
“You look gorgeous, as always, Martha! Love you and the cover!!” another gushed.
“Spectacular! Congratulations! So gorgeous and strong!” came one round of praise. “A true role model for women”.
“Congrats queen! I had no idea you were 81,” someone confessed, “because your energy is so youthful!”
Meanwhile, another had similar thoughts to share, noting that “now this is representative of what 'old age' looks like in reality - diverse, modern, bold, stylish and sexy. A rethink is needed!
“A woman is beautiful at any age.”
Images: Instagram, Twitter