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2025 Rose Parade Grand Marshal Billie Jean King [Tournament of Roses photo]
Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales named Billie Jean King as the 2025 Rose Parade Grand Marshal in a ceremony at Tournament House in Pasadena on Monday morning.
Morales revealed his selection, praising King’s contributions to sports and society.
“Today I promise we have the real deal,” Morales said, describing King as a “legend, icon, greatest of all time.”
King, 80, emerged smiling from behind curtains to applause, a blizzard of confetti, and camera strobe flashes.
“You have no idea how excited I am to be here today and be the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade,” King said.
“I looked at the list of grand marshals who came before me, and they’re absolutely the who’s who of American history. And I’m truly thrilled to be part of the Tournament of Roses family.”
The theme of the 2025 Rose Parade is “Best Day Ever!”
“It celebrates life’s best moments,” King said of the theme. “It reminds us of the importance of living in the moment every single day, and just making the time to share it with those you love,” King said during the ceremony.
King will fill the prominent role in the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. She will also participate in pre-game festivities for the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 111th Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential on the same day.
The selection of Bille Jean King aligns with the parade’s theme of “Best Day Ever!” and highlights her enduring legacy in both sports and social justice.
The 39-time Grand Slam champion reflected on her career and advocacy work, including founding the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation.
“At 12 years old, my course was set. It was non-negotiable,” King said, referring to her commitment to fighting for inclusion and equality in tennis.
Morales noted King’s numerous accolades, including being the first female athlete named Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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