The Timeless Lifestyle Icon Still Thriving at 84

At 84, Martha Stewart remains one of America’s most influential lifestyle authorities, blending timeless domestic expertise with modern ventures in gardening, skincare and media. From her early days as a stockbroker to her current role as Chief Gardening Officer for Scotts Miracle-Gro and her upcoming coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Stewart continues to captivate audiences with her perfectionist approach to living well.

Here are 10 key things to know about the entrepreneur, author and television personality whose brand has shaped generations of home cooks, gardeners and entertainers.

1. Born to Build a Legacy Martha Helen Kostyra was born Aug. 3, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the second of six children in a Polish-American family. Raised in Nutley, New Jersey, she learned cooking, sewing, canning and gardening from her mother and father, skills that became the foundation of her empire. A straight-A student, she earned a partial scholarship to Barnard College, where she studied history and architectural history while modeling to cover expenses.
2. From Wall Street to Homemaking After graduating, Stewart worked as a stockbroker on Wall Street, gaining sharp business acumen. In the 1970s, she shifted focus, launching a catering business in Westport, Connecticut, that emphasized fresh, elegant entertaining. Her first book, “Entertaining,” published in 1982, became a bestseller and launched her media career.
3. America’s First Self-Made Female Billionaire Stewart built Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia into a powerhouse, encompassing magazines, television shows, books, merchandise and licensing deals. She became the first self-made female billionaire in the United States, though her net worth fluctuated after legal challenges. Her brand remains synonymous with aspirational domesticity.
4. A Landmark Legal Battle and Comeback In 2004, Stewart served five months in federal prison following a conviction for obstruction of justice and lying to investigators in an insider trading case involving ImClone stock. She never wavered publicly, emerging stronger with new ventures and maintaining her audience’s loyalty through resilience and transparency.
5. Enduring Media Presence Stewart hosted “Martha Stewart Living” and other programs, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She has authored dozens of bestselling books on cooking, crafts and holidays. Today, she remains active on social media, sharing glimpses of her daily life, from farm animals to travel, with millions of followers.
6. Gardening as Lifelong Passion and New Role A dedicated gardener, Stewart tends extensive gardens at her Bedford, New York, estate and elsewhere. In 2025, Scotts Miracle-Gro named her Chief Gardening Officer. In a February 2026 interview with People, she revealed prizing dendrobium orchids more than 50 years old, calling gardening her ultimate self-care ritual. She recently announced plans for “Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook.”
7. Skincare Venture and Ageless Appearance In recent years, Stewart launched Elm Biosciences, a science-backed skincare line with dermatologist Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali. She frequently addresses rumors about her youthful look, emphasizing routines of fitness, diet and skincare. In February 2026 interviews, she detailed getting only 3-4 hours of sleep nightly yet maintaining energy through green juices, exercise and disciplined habits.
8. Travel and Adventure at 84 Stewart embraces a “maximalist” travel style, recently sharing on Instagram her packing hack: clothes on hangers in plastic bags to prevent wrinkles during trips to Milan. Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she serves as a special correspondent for NBC alongside Snoop Dogg, she joked about seeking an “Italian prince” while covering figure skating and other events.
9. Advocacy and Personal Views Stewart has spoken on issues including immigration, expressing concern during Super Bowl weekend interviews in February 2026. An animal lover with horses, dogs and other pets, she shares winter enrichment activities for her stable animals on her blog. She also promotes philanthropy through the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai.
10. Unstoppable at Every Age Defying expectations, Stewart appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue at 81 in 2023. In 2026, she continues innovating — from hosting events for her skincare line to offering hosting tips at Pepsi-sponsored gatherings. Her Instagram and blog posts celebrate everything from Valentine’s Day crafts to silver polishing, proving her influence endures.

As Stewart prepares for more Olympic coverage and seasonal projects, her blend of tradition and reinvention keeps her relevant in an ever-changing world.