An honor fit for a King: Tennis legend and American icon Billie Jean King was thrilled to serve as grand marshal for 136th annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in her native Southern California.
As grand marshal, King and her wife, Ilana Kloss, rode down Padadena, Calif.’s Colorado Boulevard in a dusty blue, 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III adorned with dozens of colored flowers, and kicked off the new year in style the 136th annual event, which precedes college football’s famous Rose Bowl.
After the five-and-a-half mile ride where she smiled, waved and signed as many autographs as she could, King took part in the ceremonial coin toss for the game, which saw Ohio State earn a convincing 41-21 win over Oregon to advance to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
The non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association has annually produced the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day since 1890 and the Rose Bowl since 1902, and its president hand-picks the grand marshal each year. Tournament president Ed Morales said the choice of King as the 2025 grand marshal suited was ideally suited for the parade’s theme: “Best Day Ever!”
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“Her trailblazing work has elevated women in sports and inspired countless best days ever for athletes and fans around the globe,” he said in a statement.
