Fans have praised Martha Stewart after the revelation of her Sports Illustrated cover.
The 81-year-old showed off her amazing physique in a series of gorgeous photographs alongside Megan Fox, Kim Petras, and Brooks Nader, who also graced their own separate covers for the publication.
In an interview with Today on Monday, the wellness guru opened up about the entire process behind the history-making photoshoot.
"I'm sort of shaking because it's odd to go to an island and get changed into nine different bathing suits in one day in front of all those people," Stewart said, after debuting the cover for the first time on the show. "I like that picture... And it all turned out okay!"
It turned out more than just "okay", that's for sure.
Taking to Instagram last night (May 15), Stewart shared a glimpse of some of the final snapshots, raking in thousands of likes and comments under the post.
Initially, it seemed as though some people were a little hesitant about the editing of the pictures with one user commenting: "Oh c**p, now we gotta look, when we’re 80. Can’t we all just be saggy and fine with it? When does it end?! So exhausting."
Another also added: "Ok so I am loving that an 81-year-old is in sports illustration but can we show her real body!!!! After 60 I don’t care who u are the skin gets [c****y] no matter how many weights u lift! And obviously she has had work done. How about putting a real natural woman in your magazine! Not an airbrushed version of reality."
However, others jumped in to defend the star, praising her for being brave enough to grace such a big cover.
This user commented: "I have learned over the years that women that are generally Happy + positive in their thinking usually aging better. Period! What Martha wants, she works hard & strategically to achieve & she inspires others. Bravo!"
And another described her as an "inspiration", saying: "Thanks for being an inspiration for those of us in our 60’s and 70’s!"
"Classy and beautiful! Martha you just get better with age," commended this user.
And someone else described her as a "mature beauty," adding: "Fabulous!!! About time for mature beauties on the issue cover."
Similarly, another Instgrammer chimed in commending the star for "proving that hot at any age is still hot."
During her interview with Today, the 81-year-old also revealed details about undergoing a strict regime in order to maintain her physique.
"I didn't starve myself, but I didn't eat any bread or pasta for a couple of months," she told the hosts. "I went to Pilates every other day and that was great; I'm still going to Pilates every other day 'cause it's so great. And I just, I live a clean life anyway — good diet and good exercise and healthy skincare and all of that stuff."
She also explained how her appearance has become "a testament for good living."
"I think all of us should think about good living, successfully living, and not aging," she told the hosts. "The whole aging thing is so boring. You know what I mean? I have a hospital called the Center for Living at Mt. Sinai. I started this hospital with Mt. Sinai and it's all about growing old gracefully.
"We don't think about aging, we think about successful living and we try to install in people the desire to eat well, exercise well, have friends to have pets — to do all the things that make you happy as you get older. So that's what I'm all about," Stewart added.
We really do love to hear it!
Martha Stewart's cover is available to purchase from Sports Illustrated.
