HONG KONG — Tech billionaire Elon Musk is already a huge figure in China, but now his 76-year-old mother, Maye Musk, is quickly rising to fame as well.
Maye, a model and dietitian, has been a frequent visitor to China since last year, gaining a massive online following in the country. Her fans, often referred to as “silver-haired influencers,” are drawn to her story of resilience and strength, particularly in a society where age and beauty are increasingly intertwined.
As a “silver-haired influencer,” Maye promotes products and brands on social media, including Chinese apparel brand JNBY, sportswear brand Fila, and smartphone manufacturer Oppo. She has also appeared on magazine covers and has walked the runway for various fashion shows.
Maye’s popularity in China stems from her 2019 memoir, “A Woman Makes a Plan,” which was translated into Chinese the following year. The book tells the story of her unconventional career path and her struggles as a single mother. Her success has resonated with working women in China, who are increasingly resistant to social pressure to get married and have children.
Maye’s admiration for China is evident on her social media accounts, where she expresses her amazement at the country’s infrastructure, roads, tunnels, buildings, and ports. Her son, Elon, has also reaffirmed her status in China, often posting about his mother’s visits to China and her interactions with Chinese brands and products.
Maye’s rising popularity could also have benefits for her son, who has faced a “cooling off” in public opinion since his financial backing of President-elect Donald Trump. Maye’s positive image could help to mitigate any negative perceptions of Elon’s associations with Trump and boost his business success in China.