Gayle King Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover: 'I thought I had been Punk'd'

Gayle King shocked to be asked to pose for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 60th anniversary edition, thought it was a prank.

In a surprising turn of events, "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King found herself at the center of attention when asked to pose for the 60th-anniversary edition of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Initially, King was taken aback and thought she was being pranked, reminiscing about the days of the popular reality show "Punk'd" where Hollywood figures were often the target of practical jokes.

Upon receiving the call from editor-in-chief MJ Day, King couldn't believe her luck and even asked if she was being 'punked' once again. This disbelief continued when she discovered that her shoot had landed her on the cover of the milestone edition, a revelation that left her speechless.

During an interview on "CBS Mornings," fellow cover models Kate Upton and Hunter McGrady surprised King with the news, showcasing the magazine where she graced the cover. Despite her initial reservations, King acknowledged photographer Yu Tsai for his guidance during the shoot and admitted to feeling empowered by the images.

Reflecting on her experience in Mexico for the shoot, King emphasized the importance of celebrating women of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds. She stressed the need for inclusivity and representation in the media, highlighting the diversity and beauty of women worldwide.

As she looks towards the future, King shows no signs of slowing down, citing her passion for her work and the importance of enjoying what you do. With a career spanning over a decade on "CBS Mornings" and previous stints in the media industry, King remains dedicated to her craft and continues to inspire others with her tenacity and determination.

The 60th-anniversary edition of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, featuring King and other iconic figures, is set to be released on Friday, marking a milestone in the publication's history. Despite her initial disbelief, King's journey to the cover serves as a reminder of the power of self-acceptance and embracing new opportunities with confidence and grace.