If anyone is having a standout year, it’s Olivia Culpo.
Between becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover star and celebrating her one-year anniversary with NFL boyfriend Christian McCaffrey, the 28-year-old model is having a memorable 2020 — even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although something of an open book to her 4.7 million Instagram followers, there’s more to the stunning Rhode Island native than a social media snap.
She’s a former beauty queen
Prior to being crowned an SI Swimsuit cover model, Culpo was named Miss Rhode Island USA in 2012. Culpo, who is also an accomplished cellist, became Miss USA in June of that year, six months before competing in December’s Miss Universe pageant, where she was named the winner.
“I didn’t grow up doing pageants at all. I was at college studying communications and acting and I just wanted to work on my stage presence,” Culpo told The Coveteur in 2016, per Just Jared. “I looked at other people who were serious actors and many of them had actually started in pageants, like Halle Berry for example.”
It’s always family first
One of five siblings, Culpo frequently shares photos and videos of sisters Aurora and Sophia, who is also a model. Earlier this summer, Culpo became an aunt again, when Aurora gave birth to daughter Solei. She also has a young son, Remi, who regularly appears on Culpo’s page.
In 2017, Culpo also teamed up with her family for a new business venture, opening the Back40 restaurant in her native Rhode Island.
“It’s hometown, country-style, all-American cuisine,” Culpo told Boston.com at the time. “It’s going to be big and welcoming.”
She’s dated NFL heartthrobs
Not only is family an integral part of Culpo’s life, but Christian McCaffrey, 24, is, too.
First linked last summer, Culpo has continuously shown support for the Carolina Panthers running back on game day, whether rocking a Panthers jersey of a Carolina-inspired manicure. To kick off the 2020 NFL season, Culpo posted steamy shots of the couple from their summer vacation.
“ITS GAME DAY ‼️‼️ lets goooo @christianmccaffrey,” she captioned Sunday’s Instagram post.
Prior to her romance with McCaffrey, Culpo dated Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola. The pair ended their on-and-off-again romance in October 2018. She has also been linked to musician Zedd and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. From 2013-2015, the Maxim cover star dated Nick Jonas.
She’s a new dog mom
In addition to celebrating a year together, Culpo and McCaffrey also marked another relationship milestone in 2020: Welcoming puppy Oliver Sprinkles to their family.
A toy golden doodle, Oliver currently boasts 12,000 Instagram followers, frequently documenting adventures with his famous parents.
“Yesterday I met my daddy for the first time! Hey man can you loosen up the grip a little your biceps are scaring me, thanks!!!!! @christianmccaffrey,” Oliver quipped in July.
She’s dabbled in design
In July, Culpo announced the launch of her eyewear collection with Privé Revaux, which features both sunglasses and eyeglasses priced around $40.
“Every pair is named after a different female fashion icon,” Culpo posted to Instagram. “I know you guys are going to LOVE all of these styles and I can’t wait to see them on you🤩.”
Culpo’s line is also in partnership with Restoring Vision. With every pair of glasses purchased from her line, another will be donated to someone in need.
She’s combatting the pandemic in a unique way
In the wake of the global health crisis, Culpo founded the More Than a Mask organization, with “proceeds from the sales of a line of non-surgical, non-medical fashion masks will be used as charitable donations to various organizations.”
In June, she partnered with Express, which is currently carrying a selection of masks for $20.
“It’s been so rewarding launching this project and I want to say thank you so so much to everyone who has supported this from the beginning and been patient with the little hiccups along the way. This was a huge challenge for me that has taught me so much but most importantly gave back to an incredible cause because of all your support,” she posted on social media over the summer.
