Vogue‘s annual August age issue highlights not only timeless beauty, but also reflects upon the numerous roles that women take on. As Anna Wintour notes in her Letter from the Editor, “Anyone’s life can turn on a dime; and yet this seems especially true for women, who invariably inhabit numerous roles at the same time.”

At 67, former first lady of Japan Miyuki Hayotama eagerly embraces change and transformation in the moments following her husband’s abrupt resignation.

Former MTV president Christina Norman takes on a new role in her 40s as CEO of OWN, Oprah Winfrey’s new network.

And courageous 54-year-old Patti Hansen, who more than won her battle with bladder cancer, embodies stoic perseverance in the time of an unwelcome ordeal.

Our hats off to these empowering and lovely ladies who were photographed by Annie Leibovitz. You can see more of this issue on Vogue.com.