Hilary Duff has achieved a major milestone in Hollywood by landing the cover of the highly coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition for summer 2026. The 38-year-old actress, best known for her role in Lizzie McGuire, posed in a plunging ivory bathing suit for the iconic issue.
Duff's Reaction to the Cover
Speaking about the experience, Duff admitted, 'Of course it was flattering. I'm a mom of four, and I'm not a spring chicken. I don't typically frolic around in a bathing suit, so it was a little scary.' The singer and actress appeared in peak physical condition, showcasing her toned figure on a white sand beach in South Caicos.
Additional Photos and Issue Details
In addition to the cover shot, Duff was photographed in a black bikini and a red one-piece suit, with her blonde hair flowing freely. The issue will be available on select newsstands beginning May 14 and nationwide on May 26.
Fellow Cover Stars
Duff shares the cover spotlight with Alix Earle, Tiffany Haddish, and Nicole Williams English, each receiving their own individual covers. Other featured models in the issue include Olandria Carthen, Gabi Moura, Christen Goff, Katie Austin, Jena Sims, Jasmine Sanders, and Ellie Thumann.
Legacy of Sports Illustrated Swim
Landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition is a prestigious honor in the fashion and entertainment industries. Past cover models have included Salma Hayek, Elle Macpherson, Brooks Nader, Paulina Porizkova, and Christie Brinkley.
Duff's Busy Year
2026 has been a remarkable year for Duff. She released her first album in over a decade, Luck... or Something, on February 20. This summer, she will embark on The Lucky Me tour, performing classic hits and new tracks. 'I'm so excited for the scale to change,' Duff told People. 'There is something so sweet about getting to see everyone's face, and being so intimate and close with everyone... I just feel like I know what I'm doing and kind of got my reps in.'
Tour Details and Family Involvement
Duff will be joined on tour by her husband Matthew Koma and their children: daughters Banks (7), Mae (5), and Townes (23 months), as well as her 14-year-old son Luca from her previous marriage to Mike Comrie. She hopes her children 'don't get bored' watching her perform every night. 'It's been a lot of logistics that can seriously bend a brain, but it's going to be an adventure,' she said.
The tour kicks off on June 22 in West Palm Beach, Florida, and will span the US, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, with the final show scheduled for Mexico City in January 2027.
