"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

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."

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

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.

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.