Gayle King Jokingly Wonders What Ex-Husband Thinks Of Her ‘Sports Illustrated’ Swimsuit Cover

Gayle King is one of the cover stars for this year’s Sports Illustrated annual swimsuit edition, and the veteran journalist is still reveling in the experience. Speaking with ET, the 69-year-old detailed how her family reacted to the editorial and joked about which person she feels should get a special delivery.

“It has sunk in, but it’s still mind-blowing to me, honestly,” she detailed to the outlet. “I used to look at it all the time, myself… never in a gazillion years did I think I would be that person.” 

She continued to elaborate on the response from her adult children — daughter, Kirby, 38, and son, William, 37 — before a quip at her ex-husband Bill Bumpus.

“Both of them said to me separately, ‘Mom, this is really cool. We’re very proud of you,’” she relayed. “I wonder what my ex-husband is saying. I’m gonna send him a copy!”

King is among 27 people featured in the annual magazine release. This list includes Tyra Banks, Martha Stewart, Roshumba Williams, Jasmine Sanders, Winnie Harlow, and Chanel Iman. Kate Upton, Hunter McGrady, and Chrissy Teigen star on three additional covers.

“But what’s been most interesting to me is the number of women who’ve been stopping me, saying, ‘You have no idea what an inspiration this is,’” King revealed to ET. “I had a little trepidation because I didn’t want to look ridiculous.”

Take a look at moments from Gayle King’s 2024 SI swimsuit issue cover photoshoot below.