As luck would have it, Betty’s surfer-boy husband owned a string of surf shops in Japan and asked if Billie Jo would come to the country on a promotional tour. Once again, she was a sensation. “All these Japanese exercise instructors were seeing this American, Billie Jo, with frizzy hair. They fell in love with me,” she said. Billie Jo also got involved with Japan’s cancer society to help reduce cancer’s stigma in a country where women often hid a diagnosis. “Here I am with this arm, with these boobs cut off. I became a cancer inspiration,” she said. Over the next 15 years, Billie Jo’s Wet & Wonderful water-exercise program spread throughout luxury hotels and spas across Japan. Billie Jo appeared in Japanese media, trained fitness instructors across the country, and even designed a modest-swimwear line for Japanese women. Though she makes it all look effortless, Billie Jo reveals the hard work and determination behind her life’s path. “I was a fabulous businesswoman and I made a fabulous life for myself,” she said. “I’ve overcome a million things, and I’m prepared to continue to overcome anything because I love a fabulous life.” Among the many who recognized the power in Billie Jo’s joie de vivre was Valley philanthropist Kathryn “Kax” Herberger, a friend for years, who introduced her to her son, Judd. The two hit it off, got married and became the exuberant duo that hosts parties, attends cultural events and makes the Valley’s arts scene all the more vibrant. Both were married previously, so they melded their lives and families into one when they wed. And, now, often sporting colorful, complementary ensembles, they’re in love and always seem to have more fun than anybody else. “When it became Judd and Billie Jo, it was the right thing for both of us. Totally perfect. We’re like this easy, happy pair,” she said, noting how well she fit into the Kierland-Herberger family. “Judd’s parents were fabulous people and an inspiration.” Bob and Kax Herberger were lifelong philanthropists whose giving was unparalleled in our community. They donated land for 31 parks around the Valley and endowed the Herberger Theater, the Salvation Army Herberger Center and the Valley Presbyterian Church, among many other gifts. Giving is a passion for Billie Jo and Judd, too, particularly to arts and cultural organizations. Their financial support benefits Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Theatre Company, Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona, The Phoenix Symphony, and Scottsdale Arts, among other organizations. The couple also favors organizations that introduce art to children, such as Valley Youth Theatre, Rosie’s House, Kids in Focus, Act One and Childsplay. “If I show you my list, it’s long,” Billie Jo said, noting that she and Judd give a modest amount to some organizations and more to others, with the primary recipient being Herberger Theater Center, because it is home to six resident organizations. Smart, playful, funny, Billie Jo has missed going to cultural events and seeing her wide social circle over the past year. But she found a powerful new way to stay engaged with the arts. About Before there were influencers, Billie Jo built an international business on her personality and exercise prowess. Over the years, her products included records, cassettes, books, videos, and Billie Jo’s Wet & Wonderful water exercise program. MAY/JUNE 2021 | 30 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA

twice a week, she would host a dinner for a couple of people who worked in the organizations she and Judd support to hear about their work. “It was interesting,” she said. “I had more insight into them than I normally do, because I used to just go and be entertained.” Plus, it was a fun cooking experience for her. When guests used to leave Maine Chance, they would write their favorite recipe on a card for Billie Jo. During the pandemic, Billie Jo started cooking from them again. “I have had a fun time experimenting in the kitchen,” she said. “Actually, I’ve had an enjoyable time doing things in the house, like cleaning out drawers and giving things to my grandkids. I like creating new little daily rituals with Judd, which were different than our old rituals. We’ve figured out how to make it happy.” The quest for happiness is her life’s leitmotif. From her teenage days surfing the California waves to her turns as P.E. teacher, cultural ambassador, exercise visionary, cancer survivor, arts patron and beloved wife, Billie Jo has fought doggedly for her happy life, and she isn’t shy about letting the world know it. “I feel that I’m the happiest girl in the world. I have nothing else to accomplish. I have accomplished so much, and I’m so proud of myself,” she said. And so, in her signature pigtails — a hairstyle she once donned because it was easy and different, then embraced and made her thing — she remains ever effervescent, the most popular girl, with the lovely voice and the megawatt smile. “I’ve been a girl for a long time, since 1969, in this community, being recognizable because of my frizzy hair and wild clothes,” she said. “I’ve been an inspiration. And I like that wherever I go, people say, ‘Oh, it’s Billie Jo!’” Billie Jo with friends and fellow arts supporters Gary Jackson and Oscar De las salas at the 2019 VYTal Affair benefiting Valley Youth Theatre. “ I’ve overcome a million things, and I’m prepared to continue to overcome anything because I love a fabulous life.” FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 31 | MAY/JUNE 2021