Let’s go, Auntie Gayle! CBS anchor Gayle King has officially been named Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover star.
The 69-year-old mother of two is the latest senior citizen to grace the cover, which is considered one of the most prized covers to land in sports and entertainment.
More than 20 other prominent figures, including Martha Stewart, Tyra Banks, Winnie Harlow, Christie Brinkley, and Leyna Bloom, will grace the magazine’s special “Legends” covers, commemorating the edition’s 60th anniversary.
“I never in a million years thought I would be standing here in a bathing suit for Sports Illustrated, but here I am, which says to me that sometimes people can dream, God can dream, the universe can dream a bigger dream than you can ever think for yourself,” King told the publication.
King, known for her close friendship with media icon Oprah Winfrey, was taken aback when she learned she made the cover. The surprise came during her morning broadcast on Tuesday, as McGrady and Upton revealed the cover live on air.
On Tuesday morning, King received the news in a delightful surprise during her broadcast when McGrady and Upton unveiled the cover live on air.
“I’m on the cover? They told me I was just going to be on the inside,” she said.
The proud grandmother proudly disclosed that she had instructed magazine staff not to retouch her SI Swimsuit photos, even revealing that she indulged in a cheeseburger the day before her shoot.
“They said, ‘What about retouching?’ I said, ‘I don’t really want retouching.’ I don’t mind if you take out a couple of dimples in the thighs, however, but I really didn’t want it,” King recalled.
The 2024 Swimsuit Issue lineup also showcases model Chanel Iman, Louisiana State University gymnastics star Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, NFL spouse Brittany Mahomes, influencer Lori Harvey, and Big 12 athletes Jillian Hayes, Alexa Massari, and Jasmine Williams.
