Christie Brinkley Dishes On Her Next Chapter at 71: ‘I’m Ready for Adventure!’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Plus, how her love for Bob Dylan brings back many memories
With her iconic smile, sunny spirit and all-American beauty, Christie Brinkley has been a beacon of positivity and style for five decades. Rising to fame as one of the most recognizable supermodels in history—gracing more than 500 magazine covers—she went on to become a best-selling author, talented photographer, entrepreneur and devoted mom.
Now 71, Christie is stepping into a new chapter with the uplifting film American Summer and her first memoir, Uptown Girl, a candid, heartfelt look at the triumphs and challenges behind the glamour.
Beyond her glittering career, Christie’s greatest pride is raising her three children—Alexa Ray, Jack and Sailor—while navigating life’s highs and lows with resilience and humor. She admits that revisiting her past for the memoir was deeply emotional, yet it reminded her how much joy can come from embracing every season of life.
As our Woman’s World cover star (get your copy here!) Christie shares how she continues to inspire others—and herself—through optimism, creativity, and a commitment to healthy living.
Woman’s World: In your memoir, you were very open about your emotional and challenging past. What gave you the confidence to be so honest and open now?
Christie Brinkley: I think that’s how you have to be in life. I had been writing in journals for over 50 years and came across them. I was impressed by how many great adventures I’d been on, so it started from that. I thought it would be a fun book with stories that gave people some respite from the craziness around us. When I got to the emotional part, I just had to go there.
WW: Do you still write in journals?
CB: The busier I get, the more brief they become. I used to take a lot of time, usually on airplanes, with a kit of colored pencils, pasting, gluing and writing. I’d switch to French if it was something private. My dad always encouraged me to write about my time modeling in Paris—it was such a turning point in my life—so I figured if I was going to do it, I had to go all the way.
WW: Looking back, do you think there was a silver lining in any of it?
CB: Absolutely. Once the book was complete, I could see the big picture of my life—the patterns, the mistakes and the lessons. Reliving some moments was like experiencing the magic of Christmas again. Other chapters, like my time in Telluride, were so painful I never wanted to revisit them.
WW: What do you like best about this stage in your life?
CB: It’s a very free time. You know what matters and what doesn’t, and you realize how precious every day is. I’ve always believed in living in the moment and counting your blessings, but it’s even more vivid now. You feel more confident in who you are, without needing to pretend—very liberating.
WW: You credit your mother with your general happiness and positive outlook. How did this shape your gratitude and ability to move forward?
CB: My mom always said, “Count your blessings.” When you do, it’s hard to feel sorry for yourself. There are moments—like when someone you love is hurting—when it’s harder. When my parents were sick, I couldn’t say they were happy and healthy anymore, so I had to find other perspectives. I’m grateful every day that my kids are healthy.
WW: You believe smiling can bring joy and kindness to the world…
CB: Smiles are underrated. You can literally lift someone’s energy with one. They also release chemicals that boost your own mood. Even just turning your lips upward can trigger that reaction. I tell my kids, “Don’t forget to smile.” I smile at people in passing—it’s such a little thing, but it can brighten a room and keep your mood elevated.
WW: Do you still dance—for joy, exercise or both?
CB: Both! I love Qigong apps with simple moves that keep your body moving and reduce stress. I also love putting on tap shoes for “fake” tap dances or dancing in the kitchen. My daughter Sailor is a great dancer, and I love copying her moves—our favorites are “Please Please Please” by Sabrina Carpenter and “Levitating” by Dua Lipa.
WW: What was the first LP you played over and over as a teen?
CB: Probably Bob Dylan—“Just Like a Woman” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” I loved The Beatles, too. Even at 71, I still believe in coming together to make change.
WW: What memories do Dylan or Beatles songs bring back?
CB: Dylan reminds me of marching against the Vietnam War. The Beatles take me back to pajama-clad sleepovers watching them on The Ed Sullivan Show. My dad and I shared a love of music—he’d play Billie Holiday, Etta James, Ray Charles and Stan Getz; I’d play Joni Mitchell, The Beatles and Donovan. I even tried to talk like Donovan!
WW: Besides meditation, how do you relieve anxiety and stress?
CB: I walk in nature. I see a million miracles—the unfurling of a leaf, the life cycle of trees. During COVID, I watched the seasons change in awe. Nature has healed me at my saddest times, whispering to breathe, relax, and remember that tomorrow is another day. We have to keep Mother Nature safe.
WW: Do you remember what you bought with your first paycheck?
CB: Yes—before modeling, I worked in a store. My paycheck matched the price of a small turquoise and silver ring on the counter. I bought it, and my daughter Alexa still wears it.
WW: How do you usually start your day?
CB: I’m up around 7 and might call friends to see what they’re doing. I credit my lack of an afternoon slump to my morning mugs of Ryze chicory—two big ones, one at 7 and one around 9 with avocado toast. Lunch is a colorful salad that keeps me energized.
WW: You’ve shared your skin cancer journey.
CB: Yes. I use LaRoche-Posay for serious sun protection and Supergoop for daily wear. When gardening, I put it on so thick I look like a marshmallow—no one’s watching, and it keeps me safe.
WW: Your first makeup obsession?
CB: As a kid, before I could wear makeup, we’d put zinc oxide on our lips to mimic the ’60s white lipstick.
WW: What’s next for you?
CB: The reaction to my book has me thinking about a second one. I want my next chapter to be full of adventure—going to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, driving cross-country, visiting the South Pacific and India on my own.
WW: What would you title your next book?
CB: Maybe More or Encore.
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