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Rose Bowl 2013: Jane Goodall named Grand Marshal of Tournament of Roses parade

Dr. Jane Goodall will serve as Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses parade on New Year's Day.

Kevork Djansezian

British primatologist and anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall, best known for her work with chimpanzees, has been named the Grand Marshal of New Year's Day's Tournament of Roses parade.

The Tournament of Roses announced that Goodall, who is also the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and also serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, would also toss the coin at the start of the 99th Rose Bowl.

"I am honored to be the Grand Marshal for the 2013 Tournament of Roses," Goodall said in a statement. "New Year's day symbolizes the opportunity to work toward new goals, experience new beginnings, and make a difference. My dream for this New Year's Day is for everyone to think of the places we can all go if we work together to make our world a better place."

The theme of this year's parade is "Oh, the Places You'll Go!," named after the Dr. Seuss book.

"I can think of no one whose life has better exemplified our theme and message than Dr. Jane Goodall," Tournament of Roses President Sally Bixby said in the press release. "Dr. Goodall is now an international icon, but it is her passion for discovery and how she has used her celebrity for the betterment of the world that has drawn us to her."