Martina Navratilova marries partner Julie Lemigova
Martina Navratilova married her long time partner ulie Lemigova in a private ceremony at the Peninsula hotel in New York City. Brooke Shields and Navratilova's former tennis rival Chris Evert were present as maids of honor. Navratilova admitted that she was ‘terrified and relieved’ after the private ceremony.
"I'm 58 years old, I got married for the first time – it's about time, right?" said Navratilova, who began dating Lemigova in 2006. "Growing up as a gay woman you just don't ever think about that, and then I thought, about 10 years ago, 'You know, I think within 10 years gay marriage will be legal.' And here we are, 10 years later, making it legal."
The 18-time Grand Slam champion proposed to Lemigova in front of television cameras during the U.S Open this year. Navratilova will now play dual roles – wife and mother to Lemigova’s two daughters Victoria,13 and Emma,8 from a previous relationship.
"Originally it wasn't the idea to do it at the U.S. Open, on the Jumbotron and all that, but then it was, 'Why not? I've seen it in movies!' " Navratilova told People afterward. "And it all came off, everything worked out perfectly!"
"I was so overwhelmed and completely surprised," Lemigova told the BBC.