At 69, Gayle King has shattered age stereotypes, making her stunning debut in the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The CBS Morning show host wowed fans and media alike, proving that age is nothing but a number when it comes to confidence, beauty, and defying the norms. From the moment she found out she graced the cover, to her empowering message about self-acceptance, Gayle King’s debut is nothing short of inspiring.
When Gayle King appeared on CBS Mornings to talk about this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, she had no idea she’d be the star of the day. Alongside fellow models Kate Upton and Hunter McGrady, King was initially under the impression that she was just another face featured inside the magazine. But her co-host, Nate Burleson, had something else planned.
In a jaw-dropping moment, Burleson teased King’s presence on the cover. “Kate and Hunter aren’t the only cover stars in the room,” he hinted, before pointing to his colleague. King’s reaction? Absolute disbelief. “I’m on the cover?!” she screamed, lifting her arms in shock and excitement.
For the shoot, King donned a bold geometric-print one-piece by Evarae, priced at $305, complete with a matching wrap. She was all smiles as the magazine cover flashed on the screen, showcasing her proud and confident pose. “This is going to be on the newsstand? Oh my God!” she exclaimed in disbelief. Her reaction wasn’t just about the shock of seeing herself on the cover but also an acknowledgment of how far she’s come in her personal journey with self-image.
King, who is a mother of two and a grandmother, reflected on her appearance with pride. “When I look at that, I look damn good,” she confidently declared. It was a moment of self-empowerment, not just for King but for all women who have ever doubted their beauty as they age.
One of the most powerful moments came when fellow model Hunter McGrady chimed in with words of encouragement: “Sexy isn’t an age. Sexy isn’t a size.” These words were a fitting tribute to King’s milestone, representing a shift in the cultural narrative around beauty, aging, and confidence. For too long, mainstream media has boxed women into narrow definitions of beauty, often sidelining older women or those who don’t fit traditional body ideals.
Gayle King’s Sports Illustrated debut has proven that women of all ages can embrace their beauty, strength, and sensuality. Her participation in this iconic issue sends a resounding message to women worldwide: you are beautiful at every stage of life.
King’s journey to accepting her beauty wasn’t always easy. During her appearance on CBS Mornings, she recalled an unforgettable comment from her grandmother, who told her, “Mother nature was not as kind to you as she was to other little girls. Maybe you need to start wearing makeup like your friend [Oprah].” For years, these words shaped King’s insecurities about her appearance.
But her swimsuit shoot with Sports Illustrated offered a chance for her to confront those insecurities head-on. Posing confidently, King felt empowered, embracing her appearance with grace and pride. “This was nowhere on my bucket list,” King admitted, but it was clear that the experience became more than just a photo shoot—it was a declaration of self-love.
The surprises didn’t stop there. In a heartfelt moment on the show, King learned she had also been featured on the Legends Edition of Sports Illustrated, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the swimsuit issue. The cover showcases King alongside iconic SI swimsuit models from over the years, including Tyra Banks, Paulina Porizkova, and Martha Stewart. Dressed in elegant evening gowns, the models marked the occasion with a nod to the history of the magazine and its enduring impact on the fashion world.
It was yet another crowning achievement for King, further solidifying her place in a lineup of trailblazing women who have defied expectations and celebrated their unique beauty.
As expected, King’s long-time best friend Oprah Winfrey was right by her side, sharing in her joy. Winfrey took to social media, particularly on Oprah Daily’s Instagram, to celebrate King’s achievement. The post included a behind-the-scenes reel of King’s swimsuit shoot, capturing her in a variety of sleek looks. King modeled everything from a striking green halterneck one-piece to a vintage-style white bathing suit, all while posing at a luxurious Mexican resort.
“I would have never thought this was possible,” King shared in the reel, reflecting on how far she’s come and the significance of this milestone in her career. And while modeling for Sports Illustrated might not have been on her original bucket list, it’s clear that it has become a defining moment for her.
Gayle King’s debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is more than just a feature—it’s a powerful message about confidence, aging, and beauty. At 69 years old, King has shown the world that beauty knows no age limit and that confidence is the key to embracing your uniqueness.
Her presence on the cover, both in her stunning one-piece swimsuit and in the Legends Edition, is a reminder to women everywhere that feeling sexy and strong isn’t confined to your twenties or thirties. King’s story proves that women can redefine the standards of beauty at any age and encourages others to embrace who they are, unapologetically.
With each magazine cover and behind-the-scenes moment, King’s message rings clear: sexy is ageless, confidence is timeless, and self-love is always in style.
