Billie Jean King Biography: Age, Net Worth, Books, Wife, Songs, Awards, Children, Height

Billie Jean King is a tennis legend, social justice advocate, and iconic figure in women’s sports. With a career spanning over 40 years, she has left a profound impact on tennis and beyond.

Her impressive list of accolades includes 39 Grand Slam titles, a record 20 titles at Wimbledon, and a pioneering role in the fight for women’s tennis and LGBTQ+ rights.

Profile

• Full name: Billie Jean Moffitt King
• Date of birth: November 22, 1943
• Age: 81 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Long Beach, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Tennis player, social justice advocate
• Height: 5 feet 4 inches (164 cm)
• Parents: Bill Moffitt (father), Betty Moffitt (mother)
• Siblings: Randy Moffitt (brother)
• Spouse: Larry King (married 1965-1987)
• Children: None
• Relationship status: Single
• Net worth: $20 million

Early Life and Education

Billie Jean King, currently at 81, was born in Long Beach, California, to Bill and Betty Moffitt.

She grew up with her brother Randy Moffitt in a conservative Methodist family and was raised with a strong emphasis on sports and education.

King began playing tennis at the age of 11 and quickly demonstrated a natural talent for the sport. She attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School and later enrolled at Los Angeles State College (now California State University, Los Angeles).

Personal Life

Both triumph and turmoil have marked Billie Jean King’s personal life. In 1965, she married Larry King, a tennis player and coach, and the couple had a tumultuous relationship that ended in divorce in 1987.

During the 1980s, King became one of the first prominent American athletes to openly admit to having a same-sex relationship, which sparked both praise and controversy.

Career

Billie Jean King’s tennis career is one of the most storied in history. She won 39 Grand Slam titles, including a record 20 titles at Wimbledon, and held the world No. 1 ranking in women’s tennis for six of the 10 years from 1966 to 1975.

King was also a pioneering figure in the fight for women’s tennis and LGBTQ+ rights, founding the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in 1973 and advocating for equal pay and recognition for women’s sports.

Awards

• 39 Grand Slam titles
• 20 Wimbledon titles
• World No. 1 ranking in women’s tennis (1966-1975)
• Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (1987)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009)

Net Worth

Billie Jean King’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, earned through her successful tennis career, endorsements, and advocacy work.

Controversy

Billie Jean King has been involved in several controversies throughout her career, including her high-profile divorce and same-sex relationship, as well as her outspoken advocacy for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ issues.

Social Media

• Instagram: @billiejeanking
• Twitter: @BillieJeanKing

Books

• Billie Jean King: An Autobiography
• We Are All Leaders: Leadership Lessons from the Tennis Court