Chaka Khan talks being grand marshal for 2019 Rose Parade

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Grammy award winning entertainer Chaka Khan will be in front of the world on New Year's Day, serving as grand marshal for the 2019 Tournament of Roses parade.

The theme for the 130th annual event is "The Melody of Life." It was her sister who first learned of the parade committee's hope to have Chaka front and center.

"She said, 'What do you think of the Rose Bowl parade?' I said, 'It's lovely.' She said, 'No what do you think about being the grand marshal?,'" Khan said. "Immediately, I envisioned myself with a pom-pom and a baton and cowboy boots, marching - that's what I saw!"

No marching is planned, but Chaka will be pulling "double duty" on Jan. 1. She'll be the first grand marshal who will also perform on the parade route.

"I'm so honored that I was asked to do something that I didn't have a clue of the magnitude of it, and each day I realize (it) more," Khan said.