Billie Jean King once wrote in her autobiography All In, “No matter how old you are when a parent dies, it’s like losing an anchor that kept you safely moored.” Her mother, Betty Moffitt, was that anchor. From the moment young Billie Jean declared she wanted to be the world’s number one tennis player, Betty believed in her without hesitation.

That unwavering support fueled King’s drive and ambition. Even during tough personal times, like when Billie Jean publicly confirmed her relationship with Ilana Kloss, Betty stood by her side. Billie Jean often speaks of her mother’s steadfast presence as a source of strength throughout her life and career-and she honors that bond whenever she can.

On May 11, Mother’s Day, the world celebrated maternal figures everywhere. Billie Jean was no exception. She posted a heartfelt message on social media alongside an old photo of her and Betty. She wrote, “It’s Mother’s Day in the U.S., and Ilana and I are remembering and honoring our moms (my mother, Betty and her mother, Ruth). Our moms were incredibly resilient women who gave unconditionally from their hearts, sacrificed so much for their families, and put their love for their children above all else.”

Billie Jean lost her mother in 2014, the same year she was supposed to attend the Winter Olympics in Sochi as an official US delegate. Ilana’s mother, Ruth, was also a key reason Billie Jean and Ilana met-Ruth sold programs at the South African championships where Billie Jean happened to be playing. While the exact date of Ruth’s passing is unknown, Billie Jean remembers both mothers deeply. She added, “We miss them everyday. Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, and to all women who love, guide, support, and nurture, even without the official title.”

Betty was more than a supporter-she was the bedrock of Billie Jean’s dreams. The tennis legend adored the mom who encouraged her even when 12-year-old Billie Jean came home declaring, “I’m going to change the world!” Betty and Bill Moffitt, Billie Jean King’s father, were married for 65 years before Bill died in 2006. Anyone who has seen documentaries about Billie Jean, like the 2006 HBO film or last year’s American Masters special, knows this was a close-knit family.

In 1981, Betty and Bill stood by Billie Jean during an emotional press conference when she confirmed her relationship with a woman after parting ways with Larry King. Since then, the two have been inseparable, a couple who not only share love but also honor the families that supported them together. And it doesn’t stop there. Her journey to becoming a legend in the sport is something she highly credits to her parents and her upbringing!

Billie Jean Expresses Gratitude to Her Parents for Not “Setting Limits” When It Came to Sports

King’s sporty roots run strong. Her mom, Betty, was a swimmer, and her dad, Bill Moffitt, played basketball, baseball, and ran track. Her brother Randy went pro, pitching in Major League Baseball for 12 years with teams like the Giants and the Astros. At 11, Billie Jean saved $8-about $92 today-to buy her first tennis racket. She and a friend took lessons on free public courts in Long Beach from pro Clyde Walker. That’s where it all began.

In a 2020 LA Times interview, Billie Jean shared, “They supported us but never pushed us to be sports stars. They concentrated more on being life coaches.” Even her ultra-competitive dad, a great athlete, didn’t care if they won or lost. “Did you try your best and have fun?” was the question he and her mom always asked.

The 12-time Grand Slam champ added, “I was grateful that my parents resisted setting limits on me, which is different from saying that my upbringing was always progressive. My mom and dad were strict and conservative in many ways, but they also told my brother and me we could be anything we wanted to be.” She also said, “My parents always treated Randy and me equally, which was unusual for many families then.” No surprise she became a powerful voice for equality.

Now, as she honors her mom’s legacy alongside Ilana Kloss’ mother, it’s touching to see how that early love still shines. Billie Jean’s journey from those public courts to a trailblazer for women’s sports shows just how much family shaped her drive.