"That's what it was for me. To show you that it's 69 and feeling really fine," the 'CBS Mornings' co-host tells PEOPLE

The Emmy-winning journalist, 69, was surprised to be one of the mag’s cover stars for their 60th anniversary issue in May 2023.

Once King realized it was genuine, the CBS Mornings host was "excited. That's what it was for me. To show you that it's 69 and feeling really fine."

Abbey Clancy Abbey Clancy has had a varied career. She is a model, TV presenter and was on shows in Britain like "Britain's Next Top Model" and "Strictly Come Dancing." In the United States she would be remembered for her appearance in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue that featured models and body painting.

Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher is gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. The 28-year-old, who led Team USA to its first Olympic medal in rugby sevens at the 2024 Paris Games, posed in a fierce bikini on the front page of the outlet's digital September issue,

Gayle King thought she was being "punked" when she was asked to pose for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover. The 69-year-old TV star couldn't believe it when she was approached about starring in the Swimsuit Issue of the long-running magazine.

Genevieve Morton is a South African model who has been in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue multiple times. She was on the cover in 2011 and was voted Sexiest Woman in the World by FHM in 2012. Senate Republicans block the Democrats' IVF bill that would enshrine protection and expand access for IVF services.

Gayle King took plenty of risks in her career and life to get where she is today, but admits one opportunity she received felt like she was “being punked.” Earlier this month, she took a risk by eating a half-eaten slice of pie she received via delivery at her residence,

Gayle King has revealed the most common reaction she's received for her Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover. The Mornings co-host shared how women of all ages have expressed their feelings about the shoot.