Meet Maye Musk: The Model, Dietitian, And Mother Of The World's Richest Man

You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through social media and see someone who just glows with confidence? That’s Maye Musk. She’s the 75-year-old supermodel, a registered dietitian, and—oh, yes—the mother of Elon Musk, the world’s richest man. But let’s be real: calling her “Elon’s mom” is like calling a diamond “that rock from the mine.” She’s a force of nature all on her own, and her story is one you’ll want to read over a cup of coffee.

A Life That Did Not Curve Like a Tesla

Long before SpaceX rockets or Tesla cars, Maye was a single mom of three in South Africa. She worked five jobs to keep the lights on—modeling, running a dietetics practice, and even writing a nutrition column. Imagine juggling a toddler’s tantrum, a teenager’s homework, and a client’s meal plan, all while posing for magazine covers. That’s her Tuesday.

She didn’t have a nanny, a sports car, or a secret inheritance. She had grit and a very practical approach to chaos. One time, she brought her kids to a modeling shoot and had them sit in the corner with coloring books. The photographer didn’t mind—he got a cover shot, and Maye got a paycheck. That’s hard work dressed in heels.

Why You Should Care About a 75-Year-Old Model

Maybe you’re thinking: “Cool story, but I’m not a model, and my kids aren’t building rocket ships.” Here’s the thing—Maye’s life is full of little, everyday lessons that work for anyone. She didn’t become a success overnight. She faced divorce, weight fluctuations, and the awkward phase of being an “aging model” in a youth-obsessed industry. Sound familiar? That’s the same struggle as waiting for a promotion or trying to learn a new hobby at forty.

She once said she feels most insecure when she’s not working. So she keeps working. She models for brands like CoverGirl and even walked the runway at New York Fashion Week in a silver pantsuit. At 75. It’s less about being perfect and more about showing up—with a smile, a good meal, and a plan for tomorrow.

Elon's mom Maye Musk to get honorary doctorate from UFS

The Dietitian Who Says “Eat the French Fries”

Now, here’s the part that will make you smile. Maye is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. But her advice isn’t about kale smoothies or gluten-free crackers. She believes in balance. She’ll tell you to eat your veggies, but she’ll also say, “If you want fries, have fries. Just don’t have them every day.”

In her book A Woman Makes a Plan, she shares how she kept her kids healthy on a budget. She’d buy in bulk, freeze leftovers, and let them choose one treat at the grocery store. It’s not rocket science—it’s real life. And as a grandmother, she still bakes cookies with her grandchildren. She knows that food is love, but it’s also fuel. That’s the kind of advice you can actually use.

Maye Musk, U80 model and mother of the world’s richest billionaire Elon

The Secret Sauce: Risk and Resilience

Here’s what I love most about Maye. She moved countries three times—from South Africa to Canada to the United States—all in her 40s and 50s. Each time, she had to rebuild her career from scratch. Imagine starting over when you’re 50, in a new country, with no network. Most of us would crumble. She called it an adventure.

She also taught her kids to be independent. Elon has said that Maye never panicked when he struggled in school. Instead, she bought him books and let him follow his weird interests. That steady confidence—not hovering, not worrying—is a parenting hack for the ages. It’s the difference between raising a follower and raising a builder.

Meet Maye Musk: Know how Elon Musk's mother helped him become a

What We Can Steal From Maye

So, what’s the takeaway for a regular Tuesday? First, age is not a limit. Maye got her first CoverGirl contract at 69. Before that, she was told she was “too old” for modeling at 50. She ignored them. Second, you can be both glamorous and grounded. She wears designer dresses, but she’ll also tell you about the time she lost a shoe on a runway and just kept walking in one heel.

Third, and maybe most important: your kids are their own people. Maye never forced Elon to be an engineer or a business tycoon. She just gave him a safe home, a full fridge, and the freedom to dream. That’s a gift you don’t need money to give.

Next time you feel stuck—too old, too broke, too tired—think of Maye. She’s the woman who, at 70, booked a modeling job in Times Square. She’s the mom who said, “I don’t care if you’re the richest man in the world; you still need to call your mother.” And she’s the dietitian who reminds us that a slice of cake isn’t a sin. It’s just life. And life, my friend, is what you make of it—one confident, silver-haired step at a time.