Martha Stewart, the iconic lifestyle guru, revealed a unique plan for her final resting place. At 84, she intends to be “composted” near the pet cemetery on her 150-acre Katonah, New York estate, which also houses her animals and horses.
During the 50+ & Unfiltered podcast hosted by Shawn Killinger, Stewart stated, “Oh, I am going to be composted. When one of my horses dies, we dig a massive hole deep in one of my fields. We have a pet cemetery. The horse is wrapped in a clean, white linen sheet and very carefully dropped into this giant, lovely grave. I want to go there.” She added that legal issues do not concern her. “It’s not going to hurt anybody. It’s my property,” she explained.
Preferring Terramation Over Burial
Stewart rejected traditional burial. “These coffin things and all that stuff, no way,” she said. Instead, she will use terramation, a method legal in New York.
Terramation offers a different end-of-life option, transforming human remains into nutrient-rich soil through a carefully managed natural process. The result is a more sustainable alternative to traditional burial or cremation, one rooted in environmental responsibility.
Health, Aging, and Personal Care
Stewart also shared her perspective on aging. She has consistently avoided plastic surgery, instead crediting discipline and safe routines for maintaining both her appearance and overall health.
“If one takes care of oneself really well and follows strict, but not life-threatening kinds of disciplines, one can look good, feel good, and be good for a whole life,” she said. “I’m 84 years old, and I’m trying really hard to look good.”
That sense of intention also extends to how she presents herself publicly. Stewart has declined nude photo shoots, explaining simply, “No. I don’t look good enough.” Her response underscores a focus on comfort and personal boundaries.
Taken together, her views reflect a broader philosophy. Stewart balances environmental responsibility, self-care, and practicality, showing how consistent values can guide decisions across every stage of life.
