Billie Jean King named grand marshal for the 136th Rose Parade on Jan. 1

AP Sports Writer

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Tennis great Billie Jean King will preside over the 136th Rose Parade as grand marshal next year. King was introduced in a shower of confetti on the lawn of Tournament House in Pasadena while “Philadelphia Freedom” blared. It’s the hit song Elton John wrote for her. King will ride the 5 1/2-mile route through the streets of Pasadena on Jan. 1 and be part of the coin flip for the 111th Rose Parade football game later that day. The parade’s theme is “Best Day Ever!” King joins a long line of athletes who’ve served as grand marshal. She says she grew up in Long Beach watching the parade and game with her family every year.