Grammy winner, music legend and philanthropist Chaka Khan will soon be known as Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal.
The I’m Every Woman singer strutted in front of a bank of cameras Wednesday in Pasadena to reveal she’ll be the parade’s 2019 grand marshal.
“To think that I would ever be a part of something like this, who knew?” Khan said, according to the
Pasadena Star News. “I’m really honored.”
Our 2019 Grand Marshal, @ChakaKhan!!! #RoseParade #TheMelodyofLife ??? pic.twitter.com/BivVQmZo4K
— Rose Parade (@RoseParade) October 17, 2018
Parade organizers hinted that the next grand marshal would be a multi-Grammy winner, but the person’s identity remained a secret until Wednesday’s formal announcement.
Despite winning 10-Grammy Awards and having a string of hit songs, Khan admitted she’s nervous about the honor.
“I’m a little bit scared, I’ve got to tell you the truth. But fear, for me, has always been a good thing. If I’m scared of something, if something frightens me a wee bit, I’m all about it — I go to conquer,” she said. “I’m kind of just in a tizzy about what exactly I’m going to do — us rolling down the street there.”
The theme for the parade will be “The Melody of Life” – which makes Khan’s selection even more fitting. As part of her duties, she’ll ride along the 5 1/2-mile parade route in a customized car through Pasadena.
The 65-year-od singer began to make a name for herself in the music industry in the 1970s as lead vocalist of funk band Rufus, and later became a successful solo artist with such hit singles as I Feel for You.
On Jan. 1, Chicago native Khan will appear in the 130th Rose Parade, and participate in the festivities before the 105th Rose Bowl Game.
Watch the video below with Chaka Khan.