Carlile, who was hosting the talk show in DeGeneres’ absence, recalled the Battle of the Sexes, where King beat former men’s World No. 1 Bobby Riggs, calling it “the most pivotal moment in sports history.”
The Ravensdale native said her daughter was inspired by King to take up tennis, before joking that she wanted her to ask the tennis legend about the number of men she has “embarrassed” over the course of her pathbreaking career.
Carlile went on to call Billie Jean King “one of the greatest tennis players of all time” and a “pioneer for equal pay,” adding that her work of ensuring the same prize money for men and women transcended tennis and will impact generations to come.
“You coming out at 51 is why I felt like I could come out at 15” - Brandi Carlile on Billie Jean King
Carlile also described Billie Jean King as her hero, saying the courage of the tennis player to come out at the age of 51 made it easier for her to accept her own identity at a very young age.
The singer-songwriter added that King’s work promoting inclusivity in society would continue to help people across the globe.
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