Martha Stewart, 81, Makes History As Oldest Sports Illustrated Cover Model

The legendary Martha Stewart made history this week by becoming the oldest woman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated at the age of 81.

Stewart Makes History

“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 publication. “And I don’t think about age very much, but I thought that this is kind of historic.”

Stewart later revealed that she was approached to do this cover in November of 2022, just a couple of months before the January shoot took place.

“That was kind of a request that I’ve never had before,” Stewart explained, according to Variety. “To be on the cover at my age was a challenge. And I think I met the challenge.”

Stewart went on to say that she trained for this shoot by doing pilates and avoiding “any bread or pasta for a couple of months.”

“They tell you you look okay. That’s nice,” she said. “They sort of reinforce that it’s okay to be doing what you’re doing.”

Stewart also said that she agreed to do this cover because she sees her ventures in life as opportunities to be “successfully living.”

“I think all of us should think about good living, successfully living and not aging,” she stated. “The whole aging thing is so boring. You know what I mean?”

Stewart admitted to TODAY that she’s a fan of how her photo turned out.

“I like that picture,” Stewart said with a laugh. “I’m sort of shaking because it’s odd to go to an island and then get changed into nine different bathing suits in one day in front of all those people … it turned out OK.”

“It turned out more than OK,” host Hoda Kotb said in response.

Related: Martha Stewart Proud To Be A ‘Sex Symbol’ At 81 – ‘Good Example For Others’

‘Martha Stewart Is A Legend’

SI Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day explained that the goal of this issue of the magazine is to cause conversation.

“Martha Stewart is a legend. The definition of a great female entrepreneur who built a dynasty against insurmountable odds,” Day said. “While the industry wavers on its arbitrary notion of beauty, our issue has stayed the course, showcasing the women of today, the women shaping the future.”

“This year, we’re featuring an extremely diverse group of women starting with our cover models, who are collectively the most unapologetic women from different walks of life who continue to forge their own paths on their own terms,” Day continued.

“I want other women, especially women to feel that they could also be on the cover of Sports Illustrated,” Stewart said. “I don’t think about age very much, but I thought that this is kind of historic.”

Related: Martha Stewart Reveals She Was Struck By Lightning 3 Times – ‘It Actually Is Good For You’

Stewart Proud To Be A Sex Symbol

Earlier this month, Stewart said that she is proud to be a sex symbol.

“It’s a good example for others, actually,” Stewart told InStyle of her sex symbol status. “I’m a teacher. I’m trying to teach others that you can look great. There’s no reason to slump around.”

Stewart is truly an inspiration to us all, and there will never be another one like her. God bless her for continuing to show the world that age really is just a number!