Marc Anthony to Lead Puerto Rican Day Parade

Marc Anthony will be the king of New York's annual Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday.

The Creativelink agency quoted the singer Thursday as saying that he was very proud to receive the recognition from the parade organizers and the community.

The agency said Anthony had initially intended to make only a brief appearance but cleared his schedule for his new starring role.

Actor Osvaldo Rios dropped out this week as the parade's international godfather. Critics had called for a boycott because of Rios' participation. He was convicted on a domestic violence charge in 2003. Rio said he had learned his lesson and asked for forgiveness.

Anthony, who is of Puerto Rican descent, recently released a new album, "Iconos."  This week it was ranked No. 11 on Billboard's Top 200.