Earvin “Magic” Johnson officially opened the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena on January 1, 2026, as its Grand Marshal. At approximately 08:00, Johnson, accompanied by his wife, Cookie, embarked on a 5.5-mile journey through the streets of Pasadena, greeting enthusiastic crowds from the back seat of a vintage 1940 white Lincoln Continental Cabriolet.
“This is one of the greatest moments of my life. Just like winning a championship,” Johnson expressed while waving to fans, despite the intermittent rain that prompted the car’s top to remain up. The NBA legend had initially planned to sit in a specially fitted back bench seat for better visibility but opted for a traditional back seat due to the weather conditions. The driver, Brett Furrey, adjusted his seat forward to provide Johnson, who stands at 6 feet 9 inches, with additional legroom.
In addition to his illustrious basketball career, Johnson has transitioned into a successful entrepreneur. He played a pivotal role in leading the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships during the 1980s and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his contributions both on and off the court.
Johnson’s business ventures include ownership stakes in the champion Los Angeles Dodgers and other professional sports teams. As CEO and chairman of Magic Johnson Enterprises, he has made significant investments in various sectors, including clean energy, healthcare, and restaurant chains. His initial foray into business began in the 1990s with the establishment of the Magic Johnson Movie Theaters, which he sold to Loew’s Cineplex Entertainment in 2004 before they were acquired by AMC.
In 1991, Johnson made headlines when he publicly announced that he had tested positive for HIV. This revelation shocked the sports world and led to his retirement from the NBA. Following his diagnosis, he faced immense stigma but returned to the court for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, where he was named MVP after scoring 25 points. His resilience during this challenging time contributed to raising public awareness and empathy for those living with HIV.
Johnson later participated in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, leading the renowned “Dream Team” to a gold medal. His journey has profoundly impacted the perception of HIV, coinciding with advancements in treatment that allow many HIV-positive individuals to lead healthy lives.
In October 2023, he partnered with venture capitalists and the company Alchemy to enhance patient care for individuals living with HIV. “Investing in Alchemy is deeply personal, not only as a person living with HIV, but because I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of HIV in our communities,” Johnson stated on his company’s website.
Johnson’s commitment extends beyond business; he has actively participated in philanthropic efforts, including supporting victims of the January 2025 wildfires in Altadena and the Palisades. In collaboration with Dodgers chairman Mark Walter and 2028 Olympics organizer Casey Wasserman, he co-founded LA Rises to assist with rebuilding efforts in fire-affected areas, particularly focusing on helping long-term black homeowners in Altadena.
As the Rose Parade celebrated its rich tradition, Johnson’s presence as Grand Marshal highlighted not only his achievements in sports and business but also his ongoing impact on the community and advocacy for health and recovery.
The festivities of the Rose Parade included a variety of floats, bands, and equestrian units, demonstrating the spirit and resilience of the Pasadena community. The event continues to be a hallmark of New Year celebrations, showcasing joy and hopeful beginnings for all who attend.
