Billie Jean King remembers her mother Betty on her death anniversary
American tennis legend Billie Jean King fondly remembers her mother, Betty Moffitt, on the anniversary of her death. King reflects on the impact her mother had on her life and career, and the lasting legacy she left behind.
Betty and her husband raised their two children in Long Beach, California, where they resided for over four decades. She was married to Bill Moffitt for an impressive 65 years before his passing in 2006. Billie Jean King remembers her mother as an excellent swimmer and dancer, who kept her daughter grounded with piano lessons and schoolwork.
In 2006, King and her mother attended Tony Bennett's 80th birthday bash, a night that Betty would never forget. As a big fan of Tony, Betty had the time of her life meeting him and his wife, Diana Krall, as well as Bruce Willis. According to King, the evening was a success as her mother was overjoyed. This was Betty's last trip to New York, and it was certainly one to remember.
The tennis legend took to Twitter to remember her mother fondly. She wrote that on February 7, 2011, her beloved mother passed away. One of King's greatest joys was fulfilling Betty's dreams in her later years, including meeting the legendary Tony Bennett.
"9 years ago today, on February 7, 2014, my mother, Betty Moffitt passed away. One of my great joys was fulfilling her dreams in her later years, including meeting Tony Bennett. I wish I could tell her how much she meant to me. Who would you thank if you could?", she tweeted.
9 years ago today, on February 7, 2014, my mother, Betty Moffitt passed away.
One of my great joys was fulfilling her dreams in her later years, including meeting Tony Bennett.
I wish I could tell her how much she meant to me.
Who would you thank if you could? https://t.co/wpwn5C4qVu
Billie Jean King's mother was a major source of inspiration and encouragement, and her influence can still be felt today. King is proud to honor her mother's memory and legacy.
Billie Jean King to join the star-studded lineup at the Know Your Value and Forbes 30/50 Summit
Billie Jean King will join the esteemed ranks of Hillary Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, Catherine O'Hara, and more at Forbes and Know Your Value's second annual 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi this March. This summit is a unique opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women from around the world and to empower them to reach their full potential.
Huma Abedin, the vice chair of the summit, is excited to have King at the event.
"It's very exciting that we have sports icon and champion of equality, Billy Jean King, joining us in Abu Dhabi. We are so thrilled. Not only is she one of the greatest of all time female tennis players, but she's also an activist athlete, which puts her in a league of her own," she said.