At 74, Maye Musk, the mother of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, made history as the oldest model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue in 2022. Her stunning appearance in a ruffled Maygel Coronel one-piece, photographed by Yu Tsai in Belize, not only showcased her timeless elegance but also sent a powerful message about aging gracefully and embracing confidence at any stage of life. Beyond her modeling triumph, Maye’s journey as a single mother raising three successful children—Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca—while overcoming significant challenges, adds depth to her inspiring story.

A Trailblazing Modeling Career

Maye Musk’s modeling career began at age 15 in South Africa, where she was a finalist in the 1969 Miss South Africa pageant. Over five decades, she has appeared on the covers of prestigious magazines like Time, Women’s Day, and international editions of Vogue. Her career took a remarkable turn later in life, with milestones such as becoming CoverGirl’s oldest spokesmodel at 69 in 2017 and starring in Beyoncé’s “Haunted” music video in 2013. Her 2022 Sports Illustrated cover, however, marked a pinnacle achievement, challenging stereotypes about age and beauty. “If I thought I could be a swimsuit model for Sports Illustrated, people would have locked me away as a crazy lady,” Maye quipped, reflecting on the unexpected opportunity.

In her Sports Illustrated feature, Maye expressed her mission to empower women to feel confident in their bodies, regardless of age. “I think women of all ages are scared of aging and scared they won’t look good in a swimsuit,” she said. “I’m setting an example so women can walk freely in swimsuits and not worry about it.” Her vibrant energy and unapologetic confidence resonated widely, with the magazine’s editor-in-chief, MJ Day, praising her for inspiring others by continuing to work tirelessly at 74.

Overcoming Struggles as a Single Mother

Maye’s glamorous achievements belie the hardships she faced as a single mother. After divorcing Errol Musk in 1979, she raised her three children—Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca—on her own, often working five jobs to make ends meet. In her 2019 memoir, A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success, Maye detailed the financial and emotional struggles of those years. “I had to work five jobs to support my three children,” she shared in her Sports Illustrated feature, highlighting her resilience.

Despite the challenges, Maye fostered an environment that nurtured her children’s ambitions. Elon, who lived with his father for a period due to access to resources like a computer and the Encyclopaedia Britannica, later rejoined his mother in Canada. Kimbal took to cooking early, while Tosca pursued filmmaking. Maye’s pride in her children is evident: “I’m most proud of my three kids; of course, I’m very excited for everything they do,” she told Sports Illustrated. Her daughter Tosca wrote in the issue, describing her mother as an “uncontainable force” and “the most fearless woman I’ve ever known.”

A Scientist and Advocate for Healthy Aging

Beyond modeling, Maye is a registered dietitian with two master’s degrees—one in dietetics from the University of the Orange Free State in South Africa and another in nutritional science from the University of Toronto. Her expertise informs her approach to health and aging, which she shares through her books, Feel Fantastic: Maye Musk’s Good Health Clinic (1996) and her memoir. She advocates for balanced nutrition without extreme diets, telling the New York Post, “I don’t do crazy diets; you lose your energy. When I need to lose weight, I take away my high-fat foods—no fries, or fried chicken or sauces.” Her philosophy emphasizes sustainable, healthy habits, which she credits for her vitality.

Maye’s influence extends globally, particularly in China, where she has gained “star status” since 2023, appearing on billboards and representing major brands. Her image resonates with mothers, symbolizing successful parenting and graceful aging.

Redefining Ageism and Inspiring Confidence

Maye Musk’s Sports Illustrated cover was more than a modeling milestone; it was a cultural statement. By posing confidently at 74, she challenged societal norms about aging and beauty, encouraging women to embrace their bodies at every stage. “I’m just so happy that people are booking me for talks on ageism and how to feel good about yourself at any age,” she told Sports Illustrated. Her message resonates with women across generations, from their 20s to their 70s, inspiring them to pursue their dreams without fear of judgment.

Her journey from a struggling single mother to an international icon reflects her resilience and adaptability. As Tosca noted, “Sometimes I wonder whether it’s time I start limiting those expectations, as she gets older. But then I look at her again, still unstoppable, and I think, not yet.” Maye herself has no plans to slow down, joking that she might retire at 96, like her mother.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Maye Musk’s story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and defying expectations. Her Sports Illustrated cover celebrates not just her beauty but her strength as a mother, scientist, and advocate. By sharing her struggles and triumphs, she inspires women to embrace their own journeys, proving that age is no barrier to success. As she continues to model, speak, and influence globally, Maye remains a beacon of empowerment, showing that the best is yet to come.