Christie Brinkley's Timeless Reign: Inside Her Record-Breaking Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Covers And 2024 Return

Christie Brinkley is a name synonymous with the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue*, a supermodel whose radiant smile and sun-kissed look defined an era and set an unprecedented record in the modeling world. As of the latest updates in December 2025, her legacy continues to be celebrated, especially following her stunning return to the magazine for its 60th-anniversary issue in May 2024, proving her timeless status as an American icon.

The story of Christie Brinkley's relationship with *Sports Illustrated* is one of enduring influence, spanning nearly five decades from her debut in 1975 to her recent appearance at age 70. She is the only model to have graced the cover for three consecutive years, a feat that cemented her place in fashion and pop culture history and continues to inspire generations of models.

Christie Brinkley: Full Biography and Career Profile

Christie Brinkley's career is a masterclass in longevity, transcending the world of modeling into acting, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Her net worth is estimated at $100 million as of 2024, a testament to her business acumen beyond the runway.

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• Full Name: Christie Lee Hudson (later Brinkley)
• Date of Birth: February 2, 1954
• Place of Birth: Monroe, Michigan, U.S. (Raised in Malibu, California)
• Discovery: Discovered in 1973 by an American photographer while studying art in Paris, France.
• Modeling Agency: Signed with Elite Model Management.
• Career Milestones: Face of CoverGirl for 25 years, appeared on over 500 magazine covers globally, including *Glamour*, *Vogue*, and *Rolling Stone*.
• Acting Roles: Known for her role as "The Girl in the Ferrari" in *National Lampoon's Vacation* (1983) and a recurring role in *Parks and Recreation*.
• Entrepreneurship: Launched her own skincare line, Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare, and a line of prosecco called Bellissima.
• Marriages: Married four times, including to musician Billy Joel (1985–1994).
• Children: Alexa Ray Joel (with Billy Joel), Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook (adopted by Peter Cook, biological son of Richard Taubman), and Sailor Brinkley Cook (with Peter Cook).
• Net Worth (2024): Estimated at $100 million.

The Unprecedented Streak: Christie Brinkley's Three Consecutive SI Covers

Before Christie Brinkley, no model had ever appeared on the cover of the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue* twice in a row. Her natural beauty, sunny disposition, and athletic physique made her a perfect fit for the magazine's vision, leading to an unprecedented run.

Her debut in the issue was in 1975 at the age of 21. It was her subsequent covers, however, that turned her into a household name and a global supermodel.

• 1979 Cover: Her first cover, shot by photographer Walter Iooss Jr., featured her in a simple, vibrant yellow bikini, instantly captivating the public and setting the stage for her dominance.
• 1980 Cover: The second cover, shot in the British Virgin Islands, saw her continue her reign, a rare move by longtime editor Jule Campbell, who recognized her unique appeal.
• 1981 Cover: The third consecutive cover, photographed on Captiva Island, Florida, officially set the record. No model has since surpassed this three-peat achievement, solidifying her status as the ultimate "SI Swimsuit Legend."

This legendary streak was a cultural phenomenon. It propelled her career to new heights, including the lucrative 25-year contract with CoverGirl, a partnership that is one of the longest in the history of modeling. Her presence on the cover helped transform the *Swimsuit Issue* from a simple annual publication into a massive, highly-anticipated media event.

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A Family Affair and a Timeless Return: The 2017 and 2024 Appearances

Christie Brinkley's connection to the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue* did not end in the early 1980s. Her later appearances are just as significant, showcasing her commitment to body positivity and defying age limitations in the modeling industry.

The Intergenerational Cover with Her Daughters (2017)

In 2017, at the age of 63, Christie Brinkley made a powerful return to the issue, not alone, but alongside her two daughters, Alexa Ray Joel (31 at the time) and Sailor Brinkley Cook (18 at the time).

This family shoot was a major media event, celebrating beauty across generations and sending a strong message about aging gracefully and confidently. The trio posed together in Turks and Caicos, with Christie wearing a black bikini and a red one-piece swimsuit, proving her enduring star power.

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The decision to pose with her children was deeply personal, as she initially did it to support her daughter Sailor, who was nervous about the shoot. This act of maternal support turned into one of the most memorable spreads in the magazine's history, highlighting the model's role as a mother and mentor.

Celebrating 70: The 60th Anniversary Legend (2024)

The most recent chapter in her SI story came in May 2024. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue*, Christie Brinkley returned as one of the "Legends" cover stars.

At 70 years old, she graced a collectible cover, photographed by Yu Tsai, wearing a stunning metallic gown that showcased her flawless physique and radiant health.

This appearance was highly celebrated, not just for her beauty, but for the statement it made about defying conventional age boundaries in fashion. She continues to advocate for a healthy, active lifestyle, attributing her youthful look to a long-time vegetarian diet, exercise, and her personal skincare line.

Christie Brinkley's career with *Sports Illustrated* is a unique American success story. From her first cover in 1979 to her legendary return in 2024, she has consistently represented a vibrant, aspirational ideal of beauty. Her three consecutive covers remain an unbroken record, a permanent marker of her iconic status in the world of modeling and pop culture.