Early Look at Visit Mississippi's Kermit Rose Parade Float!

Back in September, Visit Mississippi unveiled the concept art for its creativity-themed Rose Parade float—and now we have our first look at the float itself. 

Titled “Where Creativity Blooms,” the float celebrates the state’s deep artistic roots, highlighting Mississippi’s rich literary and musical legacy.

At the heart of the design is Kermit the Frog, honoring Mississippi native Jim Henson, the legendary creator of the Muppets. The iconic character serves as a playful yet meaningful tribute to the creativity that has blossomed from the Magnolia State.

Adding to the celebration, country music star and Mississippi native Charlie Worsham will perform live atop the float during the parade, bringing Mississippi’s musical heritage to life for millions of viewers.

In true Rose Parade fashion, the details are as impressive as the theme. Kermit the Frog is constructed entirely from split peas, while magnolias, Mississippi’s state flower, are featured throughout the float, symbolizing beauty, growth, and creative expression.

Take a look a the float and what to expect in Charlie Worsham interview from Mississippi's WLOX.

The 137th Rose Parade will be broadcast from live Pasadena, California, New Year’s Day at 11AM EST/ 8AM PSD on NBC. 

Rob Lake and Kermit the Frog Perform Magic Trick Live on TODAY!

Rob Lake and Kermit the Frog stopped by the TODAY show this morning to perform a magic trick and promote their new show.

Illusionist Rob Lake and Kermit the Frog sit down with TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager and guest co-host Carson Daly to chat about their upcoming show, Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests the Muppets. Kermit also shares his excitement about making his Broadway debut and gives a sneak peek at the special 50th anniversary episode of The Muppet Show, featuring Sabrina Carpenter and more.

Then, Rob and Kermit leave Jenna and Carson amazed with a mind-blowing live magic trick!

Tickets and information for Rob Lake Magic featuring The Muppets are available here:

Visit Mississippi Features Kermit on 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade Float!

Kermit the Frog will be front and center on Visit Mississippi's 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade Float. 

For the second consecutive year, Mississippi will take part in the iconic Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day.

Visit Mississippi, the state’s tourism agency, announced on Wednesday that its 2026 Rose Parade float will carry the theme “Mississippi: Where Creativity Blooms.” While the 2025 float focused exclusively on Mississippi-born musicians, next year’s entry will offer a broader tribute to the state’s wide-ranging artistic legacy.

At the heart of the float will be Kermit the Frog, honoring Mississippi native Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets. Enhancing the celebration of the arts, Mississippi-born country music artist Charlie Worsham will perform live on the float, joined by dancers in a lively showcase of the state’s creative spirit.

The float will also feature a stage adorned with artwork inspired by the late Walter Anderson, a beloved artist from Ocean Springs. Directional signs will point to key cultural landmarks across the state, including the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience in Meridian, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, and the Mississippi Writers Trail.

A symbolic stack of books will display covers of works by legendary Mississippi authors such as Eudora Welty, William Faulkner, Willie Morris, Tennessee Williams, Richard Wright, and Jesmyn Ward.

According to Visit Mississippi executive director Rochelle Hicks, the float serves as a vibrant tribute to the state’s profound artistic impact — from leading the nation in Grammy Awards per capita to producing Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning talent.

“We’re thrilled to showcase Mississippi’s creative heartbeat on a global stage,” Hicks said. “This float is more than a celebration – it’s a tribute to the artists, musicians, and storytellers who continue to inspire generations.”

When you Visit Mississippi be sure to stop at the Birthplace of the Frog and see all the great Muppet memorabilia on display.  

The 137th Rose Parade will take place on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Thanks to Davis.Muppets for the heads up.

Kermit Delivers University of Maryland's 2025 Commencement Address!

As we reported back in March, last night Kermit delivered the University of Maryland's 2025 Commencement Address.

Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle/University of Maryland

As expected, the speech was full of wisdom and encouragement for the class of 2025. He even mentioned his right hand man Jim Henson, who graduated from University of Maryland. in 1969. 

Photo by Stephanie Riley Sims/ University of Maryland

You can see images and a video of the entire speech below provided to us by the University of Maryland. 

Photo by Stephanie Riley Sims/ University of Maryland

Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle/University of Maryland

Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle/University of Maryland

Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle/University of Maryland

Kermit was interviewed by NBC News earlier in the week about the speech.

Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle/University of Maryland

Our friend Lucas Ross was also there to lend his banjo skills for a speech ending "Rainbow Connection" sing-a-long.

Although Kermit does appear from time to time during the 3 hour commencement, his keynote speech starts at 2 hour mark below.

It's great to see how many students and guests brough along Kermit items to celebrate his return to College Park.

Photo by Stephanie John Consoli/University of Maryland

Congrats to the University of Maryland's class of 2025. 

D23 Kermit 70th Anniversary Interview!

The Summer 2025 issue of D23 Magazine came out this week and features an interview with Kermit about his, and The Muppets,70th anniversary.

Click on the images to read the article. 

 You can become a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club here. 

California Legislature Honors Kermit the Frog Ahead of ‘Kermit the Frog Day’!

May 9th is Kermit the Frog Day, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Kermit's first television appearance. In recognition of this milestone, the California Legislature issued an official proclamation honoring our favorite amphibian. 

The proclamation, presented by the Honorable Nick Schultz of California’s 44th Assembly District, was delivered at The Muppets Studio headquarters in Glendale, California.

"If we all pitch in and perform an act of kindness, imagine how much good we can put into the world," said Kermit the Frog, encouraging everyone to get involved.

Fans are invited to join the festivities by wearing green, performing acts of kindness, and spreading Kermit's message of compassion on social media using the hashtags #KermittheFrogDay and #TheMuppets70.

Below is the full text of California Member’s Resolution RN 25 51354:

MEMBER’S RESOLUTION

By the Honorable Nick Schultz, 44th Assembly District; Relative to

KERMIT THE FROG

WHEREAS, People from throughout the State of California, the nation, and the world are celebrating the seventieth anniversary of the first appearance of Kermit the Frog, a beloved character that has helped educate countless children and brought joy to millions of fans around the globe since debuting on May 9, 1955, on the Sam & Friends television show; and

WHEREAS, Created and originally performed by the late Jim Henson, who used his mother’s coat to provide the material for the puppet’s body, Kermit the Frog is 25 inches tall, has four toes on each of his flippers, and usually wears a light green jester’s collar with 11 collar points, and the original model is now displayed in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, Having become known as the leader and often the symbol of The Muppets franchise, Kermit the Frog was one of the original main Muppet characters on Sesame Street – the treasured educational children’s television show – and went on to be featured in The Muppet Show, which debuted on television in 1976 and ran for five seasons – with Kermit introducing the guest host at the beginning of every episode – winning four Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award during the show’s lifetime; and

WHEREAS, For The Muppets first film, The Muppet Movie, which premiered in 1979, Kermit the Frog is shown setting off for Hollywood, California, with his friends to pursue their dreams, and with the film shot primarily in Los Angeles, Kermit’s swamp remains in place on the Warner Bros. lot and is still used as a filming location to this day; and

WHEREAS, With The Muppets Studio now part of The Walt Disney Company and headquartered in Glendale, Kermit the Frog has appeared in numerous Muppets productions that have been filmed in Los Angeles County, including The Muppets film from 2011, the Muppets Most Wanted film from 2014, the muppets television series that debuted in 2014, and the Muppets Haunted Mansion Halloween special that premiered on Disney+ in 2021, among many others; and

WHEREAS, Boasting an official character biography that states that he splits his time between the swamp and a pad in Hollywood, which he shares with pigs, bears, chickens, and other various other weirdos, Kermit the Frog, now performed by Matt Vogel, was immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002 and again as a part of The Muppets when the franchise was so honored in 2012; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY ASSEMBLY MEMBER NICK SCHULTZ, That The Muppets Studio and The Walt Disney Company be congratulated on the celebration of Kermit the Frog’s seventieth anniversary and commended for sharing this beloved and iconic character with audiences around the world, who have been educated, entertained, and touched by the unique and engaging personality Kermit presents to his innumerable fans.

Dated this 9th day of May, 2025.

Honorable Nick Schultz

44th Assembly District

 

Happy Kermit the Frog Day!

Kermit and Sesame Muppets Say Goodbye to Hoda!

Today was Hoda Kotb's last day as host of The Today Show and a few of our Muppet pals stopped by to wish her well.

Earlier this week Sesame Street stars Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Grover headed across town 

to give Hoda warm wishes, and a special H present, as she embarks on her next chapter.

Then this morning, while Hoda's children and family Hope and Haley were visiting, Kermit made a surprise appearance to sing "Rainbow Connection." You can watch it via Today's website.

Goodluck on your next adventure Hoda and hopefully your replacement, Craig Melvin, is as big a Muppet fan as you are. 

Silver Buffalo Kermit & Miss Piggy Drinkware!

Silver Buffalo has a new collection of Muppet drinkware featuring Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

We shared an image of their Kermit mug last week that can be found at TJ Maxx locations.

Please not that we were only able to find ONE mug at ONE TJ Maxx location despite traveling to MANY TJ Maxx, Marshal's, and Home Goods locations (they're all owned by the same company.)

However, Silver Buffalo does have other mugs available online. 

Silver Buffalo Muppets Featuring Miss Piggy Glass Jar Tumbler with Bamboo Lid and Glass Straw, 16 Ounces:

Silver Buffalo The Muppets Miss Piggy Glitter Ceramic Camper Mug:

We've heard these stores may also carry a Kermit Christmas kitchen towel and Kermit dog outfit, though I have not seen these at any of the locations ai checked, so I can't confirm.
If you do see them send us a photo so we can let everyone know what to look for. 

We also found these two made on demand insulated tumblers online, not made made by Silver Buffalo.

Disney Muppets Kermit the Frog Retro ’90s Muppet Matching Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler

Disney Muppets Miss Piggy Retro ’90s Muppet Matching Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler

Both are available in black, grey, and white. 

Note: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Kidrobot "The Muppet Christmas Carol" Bob Cratchit with Tiny Tim Plush!

Kidrobot is expanding their Muppet plush line with a two-character plush from The Muppet Christmas Carol -  Kermit the Frog and Robin as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim.

This marks the first time a Robin plush has been released and commemorates the "Christmas Scat" scene.

Celebrate the season with Kidrobot and Disney's The Muppets in the classic holiday film The Muppet Christmas Carol. Kermit the Frog and his nephew Robin the Frog play the parts of Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim.

Celebrate this beloved retelling of the timeless Dickens tale with these huggable plush characters. They measure 13' tall and are made of the softest premium materials and holiday cheer!

The stitching kinda make it look like Kermit and Robin have mustaches, but otherwise this looks like a great addition to any holiday decoration.

You can pre-order Kidrobot's The Muppet Christmas Carol Bob Cratchit with Tiny Tim 13" Plus now from Big Bad Toy Store. 

GQ's Actually Me: Kermit the Frog Replies to Fans on the Internet!

Kermit is back with GQ, this time answering fan comments on social media.

On this episode of Actually Me, Kermit the Frog goes undercover online and replies to real comments from Instagram, Twitter and...Miss Piggy.

You can see more video from GQ on their YouTube channel.

British GQ's 10 Essentials - 10 Things Kermit The Frog Can’t Live Without!

British GQ enlisted Kermit for an episode of 10 Essentials. 

In the video, Kermit breaks down their 10 Essential items: from a Gopher to some well-earned “me time” (featuring the Oris ProPilot Kermit edition watch): “I’ve declared the first day of every month as Kermit Day!” 

Watch the full episode of 10 Essentials with Kermit The Frog as he reveals 10 things he can’t live without.

You can see more video from British GQ on their YouTube channel.

"Kermit Day” Oris ProPilot X Watch!

Oris teamed up with Kermit to release a special edition “Kermit Day” version of their ProPilot X Calibre 400 watch. 

Oris and Disney’s The Muppets Kermit the Frog get together for a bit of fun and to create “Kermit Day” with a very special edition of the ProPilot X Calibre 400. 

We’re inspired by what we call the Joy of Mechanics. The first function of every Oris watch, in the purest emotional, feel-it-in-yourbones sense, is to bring joy, to make people smile. That’s it. If an Oris watch can make someone’s day better, we’ve done our job. 

 

For some time, we’ve been trying to find the ultimate expression of this and to make a watch that’s pure joy. And then it hit us. A collaboration with the easiest guy on the planet: Kermit the Frog from The Muppet Show. Kermit’s role is to entertain, to put a smile on our faces. He’s been doing it for generations. Could we do a watch with him? 

It turns out we could. And we’re delighted, grinning from ear to ear, and so proud to introduce you to the ProPilot X Kermit Edition. 

It’s based on our 39mm titanium ProPilot X Calibre 400, only it’s got a green dial – and a twist.

On the first of every month, the date window at 6 o’clock will be filled with a Kermit the Frog emoji.

 

“Kermit Day” is all about not taking life too seriously. Having some fun. We’re seriously unserious about it.

 

We all know high end watches aren't cheap. but this is "seriously" one of the most expensive Muppet items ever produce, retailing at a whopping $4,600!

For more info and to purchase your “Kermit Day” watch head to Oris.

DCappella Perform "Rainbow Connection" with Kermit!

DCappella teamed up with Kermit the Frog on a new acapella reedition of "Rainbow Connection." 

You can watch the lyric video below:

And download/buy/stream the song at https://dcappella.lnk.to/ArtistPage

Kermit Sings "Rainbow Connection" with Choir! Choir! Choir!

This past October, Kermit the Frog joined Choir! Choir! Choir! at Lincoln Center.

Kermit performed "Rainbow Connection" at the free event with Daveed Goldman Nobu Adilman, the violin group Rootstock Republic, and a room full of fans singing along. 

Look closely, and you may even spot a few major Muppet fans in the crowd!

Kermit Honors Paul Williams at Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction!

Prolific songwriter Paul Williams was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and none other then Kermit the Frog helped honor the frequent Muppet collaborator. 

Williams received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award.

Kermit, in a pre-taped video homage, said of the famously height-challenged Williams, “He has a very special relationship with Muppets — he understands Muppets, true, because he’s only a little taller than us.”

Kermit's intro was followed by Ingrid Michaelson performing “Rainbow Connection"  and a pair of songs sung by Williams collaborator Gustavo Santaolalla.

Video of the event hasn't been posted online, but according to Variety: 

Williams delivered a deeply impassioned yet often hilarious acceptance speech, showing his famous sense of humor by saying, “Songwriters can be shy about pitching their songs, but publishers are shameless. I’ve heard my songs pitched during shivas and when brides were walking down the aisle.”

But the climax of this brilliant songwriter’s emotional speech came at the end, when he recalled the time he briefly met the man for whom his award was named, over 50 years ago. Williams had attained some success at the time but was in awe of Mercer and intimated, so the meeting amounted to just a few words and a wave. Williams, a longstanding and active recovery advocate, spoke of how his retelling of the incident became more and more exaggerated and flattering toward himself over the years. But he made amends by saying to Mercer, who died in 1976, “I wanted so much to be loved by you that I lied about it."

More info about about Paul Williams in the Songwriters Hall of Fame can be found here. 

Watch Kermit and Nina West's "Connection"!

Disney+'s first ever This Is Me Pride Celebration Spectacular, hosted by Nina West debuted Friday night on YouTube and Facebook. 

Kermit appeared throughout the special looking for the proper out for the occasion, disapproving of costumes he wore in the past including his Manhattan Melodies outfit from The Muppets Take Manhattan. 

Judging by the outfits and costumes worn by the specials other guests, the blue and purple glittered tuxedo would have been tame in comparison. It was also a bit of out character. Even though the special is all about acceptance and Kermit truly is "himself" when not wearing anything but his collar, that doesn't that mean that wearing something you typically wouldn't makes you any less you.

West, who is a drag queen, makes MULTIPLE outlandish costumes changes throughout the special. Does each outfit diminish her for not being her true self? The message is messy and poorly executed. 

Disney's corporate synergy team also doesn't want you to forget that each song is from a production available on Disney+, as we are reminded at the bottom of the screen during each song.

We get it, this a giant ad for Disney+

Further proof that Disney's version of "inclusion" only extends to their IPs, is Alex Newell, who performers a blistering rendition of The Little Mermaid's "Poor Unfortunate Souls" (The Little Mermaid Now Streaming on Disney+) with no mention that they are from the non-Disney owned series Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist.

The other wise charming special culminates in Kermit and West duetting on "Rainbow Connection."

You can watch the whole " Celebration Spectacular" below:

The Muppet Movie, The Muppet Show, and The Little Mermaid (but not this special made by Disney+) are now streaming on Disney+. 

Kermit the Frog Makes Surprise Appearance at Newport Folk Festival!

Kermit the Frog made a surprise appearance this weekend at the Newport Folk Festival. 

As Pitchfork reported, Kermit sang “Rainbow Connection,” backed by a band that included Janet Weiss on drums. Halfway through the song, was joined by My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James and the two then finished the song as a duet.

You can watch the performance below:

Here's a closer view, but with not as good sound: