The world’s richest man Elon Musk is a prominent figure in China, and his 76-year-old mother, Maye Musk, is rapidly gaining popularity there as well.

Maye Musk, a dietitian and model, has been a frequent visitor to China since last year, quickly gaining a large online following from the Chinese public who are curious to learn more about the mother of their business idol and her rise as a “silver-haired influencer.”

She has rapidly gathered a significant following on Chinese social media platforms, including roughly 575,000 followers on Xiaohongshu and 355,000 on Douyin.

In a February interview with Women’s Wear Daily, reported by CNBC, Musk shared that she traveled to 12 Chinese cities the previous year for various speaking and modeling engagements.

When I go to China, everybody’s happy, friendly and fun,” she said. “Even with my friends here, they all want to visit China now.”

In December she participated in a gala dinner in Hangzhou, walked the red carpet for a cosmetics brand in Wuhan, and signed copies of the Chinese edition of her book, “A Woman Makes a Plan.” She described the book as “a bestseller” in China, according to The Guardian.

Maye Musk. Photo courtesy of Musk’s Instagram

She has been dubbed his “secret weapon” in China, capable of fostering goodwill that complements her son’s global business and political ventures. She has openly praised China. In October she tweeted: “China is so advanced in roads, tunnels, buildings, infrastructure, and ports. Always impressed when I visit.” The following month, she shared photos of Teslas in Shanghai adorned with heart-eye emojis.

Musk’s profile has grown through a series of high-profile collaborations with Chinese brands. She became a global ambassador for Chinese electronics brand Oppo last year and recently partnered with mattress company AISE Baobao, attending its Shanghai store opening in November. She has walked the runway for Chinese fashion label JNBY and appeared at an event for sportswear brand Fila. In October she posted photos on her Chinese social media accounts with Rihanna and A$AP Rocky from a Moncler party in Shanghai organized by the Italian luxury fashion brand.

Yaling Jiang, founder of “Following the Yuan”, a newsletter on Chinese consumers, said Musk’s fame is partly attributed to her son, but she is also part of a growing trend of “senior influencers,” women in particular, gaining significant popularity for their ability to “age gracefully.”

“Millennials and Gen-Zs look up to those in their 60s to 90s who age gracefully,” Jiang said, adding that nearly 85% of Musk’s followers on Xiaohongshu are women.

Jiang speculated that Musk may soon launch her own wellness or fitness brand in China to further capitalize on her and Elon’s popularity. Despite launching her career in China only in recent years, she is already being referred to on Weibo as a “lao pengyou” – an “old friend” — of China, a term reserved for respected veterans of U.S.-China relations.

Inspiring rise to fame

Her rise to fame in China is partly attributed to her life story. Born in Canada and raised in South Africa, she has navigated careers and family life across the globe. Chinese fans on platforms like Douban commend her independence and resilience.

The woman an impressive career as both a model and a dietitian. Encouraged by a close friend, she began modeling as a way to finance her passion for science. Starting at 21 she worked as a catalog, plus-size and bridal model before transitioning into the seniors modeling category.

In 2016 she signed with IMG Models, and the following year, at age 69, became the face of American cosmetics brand CoverGirl. “My seventies are my best [years] ever,” she said in 2020 on Tatler’s talk show Front & Female Roundtable. “I’m very busy: people are liking my wrinkles and I’m selling them.”

“As a female role model who is independent, self-reliant and in control of her own life, she has gained rich experience under the influence of her family since she was a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥,” one reviewer wrote about her book.

“Because of her life experience in many countries, she is more tolerant of culture and life, and chooses to leave her comfort zone again and again.”

Maye Musk and her son, Elon Musk. Photo courtesy of Musk’s Instagram

Musk’s appeal lies not only in her striking appearance but also in her life’s challenges and triumphs. A survivor of domestic violence, she has spoken about returning from her honeymoon with Errol Musk, Elon’s father, “bruised and pregnant.” “Elon grew up in a very violent home.” Errol however denied the allegations.

“This amazing woman, in her life journey, transformed from a housewife who was abused at home to a world-renowned supermodel, and successfully raised three billionaire 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren. This script is even more exciting than a Hollywood blockbuster!” one fan wrote on Weibo.

Another commented: “Her story is extremely inspiring. If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.”