Gayle King, 69, Stuns in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Debut, Proving ‘Sexy Isn’t an Age’

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Gayle King has celebrated a stunning milestone by gracing the cover of this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2024 issue, a reveal that surprised even her during a live segment on CBS Mornings.

While discussing the magazine’s 60th anniversary with fellow models Kate Upton and Hunter McGrady, 65-year-old King was unexpectedly presented with her cover image, prompting her joyful exclamation, “I’m on the cover?!”

Her initial belief was that her involvement was limited to the inside pages. “They told me I was just going to be on the inside!” the tv personality exclaimed, marveling at the newsstand-bound cover where she sports a geometric-print one-piece bathing suit. As the larger cover image flashed on screen, King couldn’t hide her excitement: “This is going to be on the newsstand? Oh my God!”

The segment, hosted by Nate Burleson, also featured a touching moment where McGrady commented on King’s cover, emphasizing, “Sexy isn’t an age. Sexy isn’t a size. Like, look how beautiful you look. That’s so inspiring to women of all ages.”

King opened up about overcoming her insecurities, recalling advice from her grandmother about her appearance: “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 Winfrey].” Reflecting on her cover, King confidently declared, “But when I look at that, I look damn good.”

The surprises didn’t stop there. King learned live on air that she would also appear on the cover of the legends edition of Sports Illustrated, posing alongside icons like Tyra Banks, Paulina Porizkova, and Martha Stewart, all donned in elegant evening gowns.

Behind the scenes footage of King’s photoshoot in Mexico was shared on Oprah Daily magazine’s Instagram, showcasing King in a variety of stylish swimsuits, including a bright green halter neck one-piece and a white vintage-style bathing suit. In the clip, King remarks, “I never in a million years thought I’d be standing here in a bathing suit for Sports Illustrated – but here I am!”

Fans were quick to chime in on the post, leaving positive comments like, “Gayle, You look amazing! You’re glowing from the inside out,” and “Time to show the world that women over 60 still got it!!!🔥🔥 You go girl!” Actress Viola Davis even left a comment saying, “You look CUUUUTE!!!!! Beauty❤️,” cheering on her friend’s big accomplishment.