Maye Musk, a renowned supermodel and mother of billionaire Elon Musk, has captured the world’s attention not only for her iconic presence in fashion but also for her extraordinary resilience in overcoming hardships. Recently, Maye graced the cover of Tatler China’s January issue, showcasing her timeless elegance at the age of 76. Wearing a stunning red silk cape dress paired with a feather hat, Maye once again proved that age is no barrier to success.
Despite being recognized as a supermodel relatively late in life, Maye has been modeling since the age of 15. Her career spans decades, featuring appearances in iconic publications such as Vogue and Time. She has also starred in Beyoncé’s music video and served as a representative for the makeup brand Revlon. In addition to her modeling career, Maye is a certified nutrition expert, having authored her first lifestyle guide, Feel Fantastic: Maye Musk’s Good Health Clinic, in 1996. Through her personal social media pages, she shares life advice and motivational messages with her fans.
However, the road to success for Maye Musk was anything but easy. Her life has been marked by struggles and resilience, especially during the years following her divorce from Erroll Musk in 1979. Married in 1970, the couple had three children: Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk, and Tosca Musk. In a 2019 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, both Maye and Elon Musk accused Erroll of emotional abuse. “My acquaintances all called him a ‘pig’ because he treated me so poorly in public. I was too scared to admit I had made a mistake. He called me stupid, ugly, boring,” Maye revealed. According to both Maye and Elon, Erroll, despite being wealthy, was stingy and often refused to buy clothes for their children.
Following their divorce, Maye and her children faced a life of hardship. They relocated from South Africa to Toronto, Canada, where Maye described the next 15 years as a period of survival. “For a long time after the divorce, I felt sick to my stomach. I was extremely scared because I wouldn’t be able to support my children. Those were difficult years. I was alone with three small children and had no income,” she told Vogue. Maye worked five jobs simultaneously to make ends meet, even taking a position at the University of Toronto’s research department to ensure her children could take advantage of free tuition.
Her sacrifices were profound. With her first paycheck, she bought a carpet for their unfurnished apartment and later purchased a computer for Elon, providing him with the tools to pursue his interests in technology. “The next thing I bought was a computer for Elon, so he could sit on the carpet and use it,” she recalled.
Maye’s parenting style was unconventional yet deeply impactful. In a 2019 interview with CNBC, she shared her philosophy of teaching her children to be independent, kind, and respectful. She never forced them to study, checked their homework, or pressured them to succeed. Instead, she encouraged their natural talents and interests. Elon, for instance, excelled in subjects he was passionate about, displaying a relentless work ethic from a young age.
Despite their financial struggles, Elon and his siblings found creative ways to express their gratitude. Unable to afford traditional birthday gifts, they once gave Maye a toy house and a small car model, promising to buy her the real versions in the future. “That toy house means the most to me,” Maye said, reflecting on the heartfelt gesture.
In recent years, Maye Musk has continued to make headlines, not only for her professional achievements but also for her advocacy. She has publicly defended Tesla’s contributions to the electric vehicle industry and criticized President Biden’s administration for overlooking its impact. Yet, Maye remains grounded, rejecting the notion of a fairy-tale life. She attributes her perseverance to her upbringing, noting her 94-year-old mother’s dedication to learning new skills, such as mastering a Mac computer for graphic design. “The word ‘retirement’ is not in my vocabulary,” she declared in an interview with Vogue.
Maye Musk’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. From enduring years of hardship to becoming a global icon, she embodies resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Her story inspires millions, reminding us that it’s never too late to pursue our passions and rise above adversity.