Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated
At 58, Salma Hayek has made history by gracing the cover of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, a moment she admits she never imagined possible. "I used to look at this magazine and wanted to see who was the new, gorgeous model," she told Today show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin. "It never crossed my mind that I could be on that cover."
The announcement was made live on Today, where Hayek's genuine shock and humility resonated. Describing herself as someone who didn't fit the typical model mold, she explained, "My body isn't necessarily the model type. I never thought that was a possibility — and for it to happen when I'm 58! It's really shocking."
The cover reveal comes amid a broader cultural shift toward embracing diversity and redefining beauty standards. "If somebody had told me I was gonna be in it at 58, I would have sent them to the madhouse," Hayek told SI. "But the world has changed, and that's exciting."
She credits her generation for helping usher in this transformation. "I feel so fortunate that I am part of a generation that has been able to really experience very tangible change," she reflected. "I could retire, but I don't want to miss out on this time."
Joining Hayek on the four-part cover lineup are Olympian Jordan Chiles, influencer Olivia Dunne, and model Lauren Chan. Chan, a former fashion editor, made history as the first openly lesbian cover model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. "That's where I feel like the tears of joy and celebration and relief and community come from," she told People, highlighting the deep personal significance of the moment.
Chan added, "My whole career has been based on representation and inclusion... I believe I'm also the first Chinese person on the cover of Swimsuit."
Jordan Chiles, an Olympic medalist, shared how the cover is a full-circle moment. "I would look at myself in the mirror and call myself ugly almost every day," she admitted. "Now I've embraced every single aspect of who I am."
Meanwhile, Olivia Dunne, 22, called her inclusion "a dream come true," recalling the surreal moment she was told the news while on vacation. "It was the most beautiful place I have ever been," she said of the shoot. "It's the most fun I've ever had."
Together, these four women reflect a new era — one where beauty, strength, and visibility are no longer bound by age, body type, or orientation.
