Billie Jean King has to miss Olympics to be with her ill 91-year-old mom in Arizona

This is a pity.

Billie Jean King won’t be at the opening Olympic opening ceremonies in Sochi, Russia, on Friday after all.

She’s had to pull out of the official US delegation in order to be in Arizona with her ailing 91-year-old mother Betty Moffitt.

The 70-year-old tennis legend, President Obama’s high-profile appointment to the official US delegation, is being joined by her brother, former Major League Baseball pitcher Randy Moffitt.

‘It is important for me to be with my mother and my brother at this difficult time,’ Billie Jean said in a statement. ‘I want to thank President Obama for including me in this historic mission and I look forward to supporting our athletes as they compete in Sochi.’

Billie Jean was one of three high-profile gay athletes appointed to the delegation in what was seen as a statement against Russia’s anti-gay laws. The others are US hockey player Caitlin Cahow and former Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano.

Cahow was originally scheduled for the closing ceremony but will take King’s place at Friday’s opening ceremony.

Billie Jean had done numerous high-profile television interviews in the weeks leading up to the Olympics.

She was asked by ABC News what she would say to Putin should they have an encounter.

‘Please change this (anti-gay propaganda) law,’ she said. ‘Just be inclusive – champion everyone.’

Sending best wishes out to Billie Jean and her family during this difficult time.