Magic Johnson, the legendary retired superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers, will serve as grand marshal for the 137th Rose Parade. We hope you’ll be celebrating with us on New Year’s Day 2026! The parade is well-known for its beautiful flower creations and colorful floats. It will run up and down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, for 5½ miles.
Johnson just got the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year. This new announcement is a testament to his amazing contributions to the worlds of sports and humanitarianism. At 66 years young, Johnson has had a spectacular run. He has five NBA championship wins and three league MVP titles to his name. He won a gold medal as a member of Team USA’s “Dream Team” at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
The theme for this year’s Rose Parade is “The Magic in Teamwork,” which resonates deeply with Johnson’s philosophy both on and off the court. Born to a working-class family in Lansing, Michigan, he loved to call himself “that poor kid.” Each year, he tuned into the Rose Parade, hoping that one day he too would march in the legendary parade.
As grand marshal, Johnson will be waving to the crowd from atop a colorful float. He’ll pass on this once-in-a-lifetime experience to his children and grandchildren. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, he expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m glad my mother is still alive that she can witness this special day coming up on New Year’s Day. This is a true blessing for me.”
He nostalgically mused about his unexpected role in the parade, saying, “Who would ever think I would be grand marshal?” With excitement about sharing the moment with his family, he added, “I think I’ll be kind of cool in their eyes.”
As the moment draws near for the epic showdown to take place, excitement grows among fans and participants alike. The 137th Rose Parade is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration. It’ll celebrate Johnson’s extraordinary accomplishments and the collaborative spirit that has influenced his life.
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