Tennis legend Billie Jean King will lead the 136th Rose Parade as its Grand Marshal, marking a historic moment as the first female athlete to hold this prestigious position solo. The announcement was made on Monday with confetti raining down on the lawn of Tournament House as Elton John’s hit song “Philadelphia Freedom,” written in honor of King, played.
King, who turns 81 next month, expressed her excitement about the role, saying, “I’m still kicking!” She will ride the five-and-a-half-mile route through Pasadena on January 1st, 2025, and participate in the coin flip for the 111th Rose Bowl football game later that day.
Recalling her childhood in Long Beach, King shared how she and her mother “looked forward to it every year,” highlighting the special place parades held in her heart. The 2025 parade theme, “Best Day Ever!” celebrates life’s joyous moments, something King embraces wholeheartedly. She remarked, “I have a whole new saying the rest of my life now. It reminds us of living in the present every single day.”
King joins a distinguished group of athletes who have served as Grand Marshals, including Olympic champions Laurie Hernandez, Greg Louganis, Janet Evans, Allyson Felix, Carl Lewis, and Shannon Miller, as well as golfers Chi-Chi Rodriguez and Arnold Palmer, and legendary figures like Pelé and Hank Aaron. “They’re absolutely the who’s who of American history,” King acknowledged. However, she stands out as the first female athlete to lead the parade on her own.
Throughout her career, King has been a vocal advocate for gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and other social justice issues. She is a 39-time major champion, including 20 Wimbledon titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. King’s impact extends beyond the court. Last week, she was honored with a bronze statue at California State University, Los Angeles, where she attended from 1961 to 1964. While never graduating, she announced plans to re-enroll and complete her degree. King also holds ownership interests in the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Angel City FC women’s professional soccer team.
Recently, she became the first individual female athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing her “life devoted to championing equal rights for all, in sports and in society.” As she prepares to lead the 2025 Rose Parade, King continues to inspire generations with her athletic achievements and her unwavering commitment to equality and social justice.
