2023 SI Swimsuit Cover Star Martha Stewart on the Beaches of the Dominican Republic

Martha Stewart made history when she landed one of four covers of the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue. At 81, the entrepreneur, mother, grandmother and best-selling author is the oldest cover model in the publication’s history. Stewart posed for photographer Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic.

“I thought, ‘This is kind of historic’ and ‘I better look really good because I want other women to feel that they could also be on the cover of Sports Illustrated.’ But I’m telling you, it’s very inspiring to take a look at a [picture by photographer] Ruven [Afanador] of Martha Stewart in the ocean here at Casa de Campo and see something really gorgeous,” Stewart told SI Swimsuit while on location in the Caribbean.

While the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia founder also added that she doesn’t particularly think about her age very often, she expressed the hope that her magazine feature would inspire women of all ages to embrace themselves just as they are.

“Legacy is what you’re doing right now, tomorrow, next week, the week after,” she noted. “Keep it going for as long as you can because it might be better than anything you’ve done before.”

Below are eight of our favorite photos Afanador captured of Stewart in the Dominican Republic.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monday Swimwear. Cover-up by TORSO CREATIONS. Earrings by Anita Ko. Ring by Jacob & Co. Towel by Zimmermann.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monday Swimwear. 

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit and sarong by Norma Kamali.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Eres provided by Moda Operandi. Cover-up by TORSO CREATIONS. Earrings by Cicada.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Isa Boulder. Hat by Eric Javits. Bracelets and earrings by Anita Ko.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Body Glove. Necklace by Cicada.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Anemos provided by Moda Operandi. Necklace by Anita Ko.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Body Glove. Sunglasses by Gucci provided by Moda Operandi. Necklace by Cicada.

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