Billie Jean King's Ex-Husband Reveals He Learned of Her Sexuality Just Before It Went Public

Larry King says he was unaware of Billie Jean's relationship with Marilyn Barnett until the day before it became front-page news in 1981.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:47am

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In the new documentary 'Give Me the Ball!', which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, Billie Jean King and her former husband Larry King open up about their marriage and eventual divorce, including the moment Larry learned Billie Jean was gay - just one day before the story became public. Billie Jean says she didn't fully understand her own sexuality at the time, while Larry reveals he thought they had an 'open kind of relationship' and didn't view Billie Jean's girlfriend as a 'real threat'.

Why it matters

The documentary provides a rare glimpse into the personal lives of two iconic figures - tennis legend Billie Jean King and her ex-husband Larry King - and sheds light on the challenges they faced as Billie Jean grappled with her sexuality and identity during their marriage.

The details

Billie Jean and Larry King married in 1965 after meeting at California State University. Billie Jean says she had limited sexual experience at the time and thought Larry was 'the one'. However, as Billie Jean's tennis career took off and she began to understand her sexuality, the marriage became strained. In the early 1970s, the couple discussed divorce, but Larry refused to go through with it. It wasn't until 1981, when Billie Jean's relationship with hairdresser Marilyn Barnett became public, that Larry learned Billie Jean was gay - just a day before the news broke. Larry says he didn't see Barnett as a 'real threat' since Billie Jean's relationships were with women, not men. Despite the challenges, Larry stood by Billie Jean's side during the public scandal and they remained friends until their divorce in 1987.

  • Billie Jean and Larry King married in 1965.
  • In the early 1970s, the couple discussed divorce.
  • In 1981, Billie Jean's relationship with Marilyn Barnett became public, one day after Larry learned about it.

The players

Billie Jean King

An 82-year-old former professional tennis player and one of the most influential figures in the history of women's sports.

Larry King

An 81-year-old former television and radio host who was married to Billie Jean King from 1965 to 1987.

Marilyn Barnett

A Los Angeles hairdresser who had a relationship with Billie Jean King and publicly outed her in 1981.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't know that this was going on. Billie Jean never mentioned it to me until the day before it hit the press.”

— Larry King

“I didn't have much experience with sex at all or anything. One girl kissed me in college. That was it. Everybody thinks I was hanging with girls. I wasn't at all. We had a great time, fell in love. I thought he was the one.”

— Billie Jean King

“Billie Jean changed women's tennis. And she wanted to change the world. I tried to fit into that plan, but it was more the life that Billie Jean wanted. It wasn't the life I wanted.”

— Larry King

What’s next

The documentary 'Give Me the Ball!' is screening at the Sundance Film Festival through February 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The personal story of Billie Jean King and Larry King's marriage highlights the challenges they faced as Billie Jean grappled with her sexuality and identity, ultimately leading to their divorce. However, the two have remained friends, with Larry supporting Billie Jean during the public scandal and both finding happiness in their later lives.