League: ATP Sport: Tennis Country: Global Category: General

Larry King, ex-husband of Billie Jean King, dies at 81

ESPN Tennis • 1 min read • Latest: May 30, 2026, 1:31 AM

Last updated May 30, 2026

Larry King, ex-husband of Billie Jean King, dies at 81

Summary

Larry W. King, the former husband of tennis champion Billie Jean King, passed away on Friday at the age of 81. Billie Jean King recognized him as "one of the unsung heroes" of women's professional tennis during the early 1970s. King's contributions to the sport extended beyond personal ties, impacting the development of women's tennis at a crucial time. Details regarding memorial services or tributes have yet to be announced.

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Key Details

•Larry King passed away on Friday at age 81.
•Billie Jean King called him an unsung hero of women's tennis.
•He played a key role during the early 1970s in tennis.
•Memorial services or tributes have not been announced.

Latest Updates

1:31 AMESPN Tennis — Larry King, ex-husband of tennis great, dies at 81...

What they're saying

"
Larry W. King, whom former wife Billie Jean King hailed as "one of the unsung heroes" of women's pro tennis in the early 1970s," died Friday at age 81.
— ESPN Tennis

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