Honorary Muses
Every year, the Krewe of Muses honors one distinguished woman with New Orleans connections who embodies the spirit of Muses. The Honorary Muse earns a coveted position in a 17-foot tall, fiber optic, red high-heel shoe at the beginning of our parade. These women have distinguished careers and inspire New Orleans women and future Muses, and we are honored to have celebrated Muses tHERsday with these goddesses.
2026 Honorary Muse Soledad O’Brien
photo by: Joriann Maye-Keegan We are pleased to announce that award-winning journalist and producer, Soledad O’Brien, will reign as the 2026 Honorary Muse. She will be accompanied by her two…
2025 Honorary Muse Rutina Wesley
The Krewe of Muses announced that award-winning actress Rutina Wesley will serve as the 2025 Honorary Muse when the popular all-female Carnival parade rolls through the Uptown New Orleans route…
2024 Honorary Muse Margaret Orr
Nationally recognized and locally adored WDSU Chief Meteorologist Margaret Orr will serve as the Honorary Muse for the 2024 Krewe of Muses parade, krewe captain Staci Rosenberg announced. Margaret Orr will be riding as Honorary Muse…
2023 Honorary Muse Irma Thomas
Irma Thomas the “Soul Queen of New Orleans” is most deserving of leading the Muses. She embodies the attributes and spirit of the nine muses, she is our own Euterpe,…
2022 Honorary Muse Swin Cash
Swin Cash is most deserving of leading the Muses. Balancing extraordinary leadership with activist passions, she embodies the attributes and spirit of the nine muses. Krewe of Muses Captain, Staci…
2020 Honorary Muse Jennifer Coolidge
“Jennifer Coolidge is most deserving of leading the Muses. We’ve spent 20 years trying to make the people of New Orleans laugh and earned a reputation for our wit and…
2019 Honorary Muse Patricia Clarkson
Patricia Clarkson is the quintessential New Orleans girl and most deserving of leading the Muses for a historic second time. We are proud of her accomplishments then and now. The…
2018 Honorary Muse LaToya Cantrell
“The Muses organization is among the best of New Orleans,” Cantrell said. “Muses delight in inclusion, creativity, and pure fun. These strong and thoughtful women also have an 18-year tradition…
2017 Honorary Muse Tamron Hall
Today, the Krewe of Muses announced that award-winning journalist Tamron Hall will serve as the Krewe’s Honorary Muse for the 2017 parade. As Honorary Muse, Tamron will lead the carnival…
2016 Honorary Muse Solange Knowles
Today, the Krewe of Muses announced that New Orleans resident, Solange Knowles, the singer/songwriter, founder of Saint Records and noted creative director will serve as the Krewe’s Honorary Muse, Solange…
2015 Honorary Muse Sue Zemanick
Today, the Krewe of Muses announced that Sue Zemanick, Executive Chef at Gautreau’s and Ivy, will serve as the Krewe’s Honorary Muse. Chef Sue Zemanick began her culinary career at…
2014 Honorary Muse Julia Reed
Today, the Krewe of Muses announced that Julia Reed, contributing editor at Elle Décor and Garden & Gun magazine, will serve as the Krewe’s Honorary Muse. Reed also contributes to…
2013 Honorary Muse Ruby Bridges
The Krewe of Muses announces that Ruby Bridges, lecturer and founder of the Ruby Bridges Foundation will serve as the Krewe’s Honorary Muse. The Ruby Bridges Foundation’s mission is to…
Muses 2012 Honorary Muse Patricia Clarkson
WNOL NEW ORLEANS – N.O. native and award-winning actress Patricia Clarkson has been named the Honorary Muse for the 2012 season, the krewe announced Thursday. Clarkson will lead the parade from the…
2011 Honorary Muse Liz McCartney
Our 2011 Honorary Muse is Liz McCartney, Director of Development and Co-Founder of St. Bernard Project, a non-profit organization that rebuilds storm-damaged homes and lives in St. Bernard and Orleans Parishes.…
Muses 2010 Honorary Muse Mary Matalin
The Krewe of Muses has named Mary Matalin as Honorary Calliope, Muse of Epic Poetry. The 2010 featured muse is Calliope, traditionally known as the Muse of Epic Poetry. The name Calliope translates to “beauty of…
2009 Honorary Muse Kim Rivers Roberts
Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy – Kimberly Rivers Roberts Kimberly Rivers Roberts is the star of the award-winning Katrina documentary “Trouble the Water,” with first-person footage during the storm shot by…
2008 Honorary Muse Marva Wright
Polymnia, Muse of Sacred Song – Marva Wright Known as Louisiana’s Blues Queen, “Marvelous Marva” is a gospel and soul powerhouse. She has performed in venues all over the world…
2007 Honorary Muse Brenda Marie Osbey
Erato, the Muse of Poetry – Brenda Marie Osbey Brenda Marie Osbey, the Poet Laureate of the State of Louisiana, has taught numerous literature subjects around the country and has…
2006 Honorary Muse Becky Zaheri
Urania, the Muse of Astronomy – Becky Zaheri Muse Becky Zaheri is the founder of the Katrina Krewe. The Katrina Krewe has organized over 1,000 volunteers to clean up the…
2005 Honorary Muse Charmaine Neville
Euterpe, the Muse of Music – Charmaine Neville Charmaine Neville will be “Euterpe,” Muse of Music and Flutes. She was born into the third generation of New Orleans’ legendary musical…
2004 Honorary Muse Becky Allen
The Krewe of Muses announced today, Becky Allen, “Miss Mardi Gras,” one of the most recognized icons of New Orleans will be “Thalia” Honorary Muse of Comedy 2004. She has…
