By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, October 7, 2024
Photo: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA
Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King will bring in the New Year as Grand Marshal for the Rose Parade.
The 39-time Grand Slam champion from Long Beach is returning to her roots to serve as Grand Marshall for the 136th Rose Parade.
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President Rose Tour Ed Morales announced today on the front steps of the iconic Tour House as the King made a grand entrance into the Elton John’s The hit song “Philadelphia Freedom” – a well-written song in her honor that served as the theme for her team WTT.
King’s selection as Grand Marshall ties seamlessly into this year’s parade theme: “Best Day Ever!”, celebrating life’s best moments.
Billie Jean King’s influence extends beyond sports and the tennis court. Named one of the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” by LIFE magazine, she is the first athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom and will become the first individual athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.
King is also the founder of the Women’s Sports Foundation, the Women’s Tennis Association and the Billie Jean King Foundation.
As Grand Marshal, King will walk down Colorado Boulevard, ushering in the new year with the pageantry and tradition the Parade is known for, and will participate in the pregame ceremony in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the 111th Rose Bowl game.
“Being from Long Beach and growing up in Southern California, I have fond memories of watching the parade with my family, and I am deeply honored to be named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade,” said King. “This parade is a wonderful celebration of joy and community, and truly represents the ‘Best Day Ever’ for all who participate or watch.”
