The 'CBS Mornings' co-host tells PEOPLE all about her initial reaction to being asked to pose for the magazine before being surprised on air with her cover

Gayle King is enjoying her “bombshell” moment. The veteran journalist is featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s legendary Swimsuit Issue, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the annual publication, and the SI Swim rookie is just as shocked as anyone.

Gayle King is officially a cover model! The 69-year-old CBS Mornings co-host found out live on Tuesday’s show that she was on the cover of the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue — and it’s a dream come true.

The 60th anniversary issue also featured a host of "icon" covers, which saw former 'SI' models like Tyra Banks and Christie Brinkley pose to mark the occasion.

The 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is here! This year, Chrissy Teigen, Hunter McGrady, Kate Upton and Gayle King are gracing four separate covers for the magazine in honor of the swimsuit franchise's 60th anniversary.

The longtime journalist said she "never thought" she would appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit issue.

Gayle King stunned fans with her appearance on the anniversary issue cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, here's what she had to say

Gayle King can officially add swimsuit model to her resume! On Tuesday, the CBS Mornings host was surprised to learn that she appears as one of the four solo cover girls for the 60th anniversary of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue.