Honoree: Billie Jean King (2026)

Well, it is divine order that you are one of the recipients this year of You know, I'm interested to know, being a trailblazer, being one of the firsts of something, I'm a first of something.

And I know sort of what it feels like to kind of sit in this space of having leadership sort of thrust

upon you.

Well, that's true.

You know, followers choose leaders.

Leaders don't choose followers.

I've never heard

that before.

And yes, bingo.

Yeah.

You know, people ask me all the time, like, well, how does it feel? I hate that question.

But the question that I would prefer is, in all of the accomplishments and achievements you've made, what would be one of your proudest? You know, sometimes you

can't choose.

I don't really have one probably.

I think we were going to discuss legacy probably, and legacy is what other people think about us, about each and every human being.

What are they leaving? What do they stand for? But really, I think the way I'm going to judge myself anyway

is

what kind of contributions can I make to this world to make it a better world? And so I'm responsible.

I'm always wondering how can I contribute one more thing Particularly before I leave this world, because I'm 81 now, for the younger generation.

And looking fabulous.

I feel great.

I'm still hitting tennis balls is the reason.

I was telling you earlier, we were talking, tennis is the healthiest sport in the world.

They've done all kinds of research, Mayo Clinic and everybody.

And you live almost 10 years longer than average.