Ernie Johnson Parents: His Father’s Atlanta Braves Legacy and Mother’s Family Role

Ernie Johnson Jr.’s parents, Ernie Johnson Sr. and Lois Johnson, played an important role in shaping the award-winning sports broadcaster’s career and personal values. On October 28, 2026, Johnson announced that he would leave Inside the NBA after the 2026-27 season, ending his 37-season run as host. The announcement has renewed interest in his family background, particularly his father, a former Major League Baseball pitcher and longtime Atlanta Braves broadcaster, and his mother, who supported the family throughout his childhood.

Johnson, who turned 70 in August, explained that he wanted to spend more time with his family while continuing selected broadcasting projects. His decision reflects the importance he has long placed on family relationships, a value he frequently attributes to his upbringing.

Who Were Ernie Johnson’s Parents?

Ernie Johnson Jr. was born to Ernest Thorwald Johnson Sr. and Lois Marjorie Johnson.

His father was a professional baseball player who later became a respected television and radio broadcaster.

His mother, Lois, was known for her outgoing personality, strong family values, and support for her husband’s career.

The couple raised three children, including Ernie and his two older sisters, Dawn and Chris.

Their family spent Johnson’s early childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia.

Growing up in a household closely connected to professional sports introduced Johnson to baseball and broadcasting from an early age.

He later credited both parents with encouraging him to pursue his interests without placing pressure on him to follow a particular career.

Ernie Johnson’s Father Ernie Johnson Sr.

Ernie Johnson Sr. was born on June 16, 1924, in Brattleboro, Vermont.

He became a professional baseball pitcher and played in Major League Baseball during the 1950s.

Johnson Sr. spent most of his major league career with the Milwaukee Braves, establishing himself as a reliable relief pitcher.

He was a member of the Braves team that won the 1957 World Series against the New York Yankees.

His performances during that championship series became an important part of the family’s sporting history.

After retiring from professional baseball, he transitioned into broadcasting.

He eventually became one of the most recognizable voices associated with the Atlanta Braves.

Johnson Sr. worked as a Braves broadcaster for more than three decades, building a reputation for his knowledge of baseball and approachable personality.

He passed away on August 12, 2011, at the age of 87.

Who Was Ernie Johnson’s Mother Lois Johnson?

Lois Marjorie Johnson was born in Chicago and spent part of her childhood in Vermont.

She met Ernie Johnson Sr. after he returned from military service during World War II.

The couple eventually married and remained together for 63 years.

Lois played an important role in raising their three children while her husband’s baseball career required frequent travel.

She provided stability at home during the demanding professional baseball season.

Ernie Johnson Jr. later described his mother as energetic, supportive, and deeply involved in her children’s lives.

She attended his sporting events and encouraged his interests.

Lois also worked as a tour guide and maintained an active social life.

She passed away on January 17, 2023, at the age of 94.

Her family remembered her for her humor, generosity, and the important role she played in their lives.

How Did Ernie Johnson’s Parents Meet?

Ernie Johnson Sr. and Lois met in Vermont after his service in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

At the time, Johnson Sr. was pursuing opportunities in professional baseball.

Their relationship developed before he became widely recognized as a major league pitcher.

The couple married and eventually started a family.

They experienced the demands of professional sports together, including frequent travel and relocations.

When Johnson Sr. played for the Milwaukee Braves, the family lived in Wisconsin.

Their youngest child, Ernie Johnson Jr., was born in Milwaukee on August 7, 1956.

Following Johnson Sr.’s transition into broadcasting, the family moved to Atlanta.

The couple remained married until his passing in 2011.

Their long relationship became an important example of commitment and partnership for their children.

Ernie Johnson’s Childhood in Milwaukee and Atlanta

Ernie Johnson Jr. spent his earliest years in Milwaukee during a successful period for the Braves.

His father was part of the team that won the 1957 World Series.

Although Johnson was too young to remember that championship, he grew up hearing stories about the team’s achievements.

He developed a strong interest in baseball and frequently accompanied his father to games.

After the family relocated to Atlanta, he continued spending time around professional baseball.

He occasionally watched his father work from the broadcasting booth.

These experiences gave him an early understanding of sports journalism.

Johnson also met prominent baseball players through his father’s professional connections.

However, his parents encouraged him to develop his own interests rather than simply follow his father’s career.

That support eventually helped him discover broadcasting.

Did Ernie Johnson Have Siblings?

Ernie Johnson Jr. grew up with two older sisters, Dawn and Chris.

Both pursued careers in education.

The three siblings were raised in a household that emphasized kindness, responsibility, and mutual support.

Their parents encouraged them to explore different professional opportunities.

While Ernie eventually pursued sports broadcasting, his sisters chose teaching.

Johnson has spoken about his siblings when discussing his childhood and family experiences.

The family maintained close relationships despite the demands of their individual careers.

Following their mother’s passing in 2023, the family publicly reflected on the important role she played in their upbringing.

How Ernie Johnson Sr. Influenced His Son’s Career

Ernie Johnson Sr. had a significant influence on his son’s decision to enter sports broadcasting.

As a child, Ernie Jr. originally hoped to become a professional baseball player.

He played baseball during high school and later attended the University of Georgia.

However, his college playing career ended after he was cut from the baseball team.

He subsequently began exploring other professional interests.

Johnson eventually became involved in college radio and discovered his enthusiasm for broadcasting.

His father’s experience provided valuable insight into the profession.

However, Johnson Sr. did not pressure his son to pursue the same career.

Instead, he encouraged him to find work that he genuinely enjoyed.

Johnson has repeatedly credited his father with teaching him the importance of humility, treating people with respect, and maintaining perspective during professional success.

Those lessons became central to his broadcasting style.

Ernie Johnson’s Broadcasting Career

Ernie Johnson Jr. began his broadcasting career while attending the University of Georgia.

After graduating in 1978, he worked at WMAZ-TV in Macon, Georgia.

He later joined WSB-TV in Atlanta, where he worked as a news reporter and sports anchor.

In 1989, Johnson moved to Turner Sports.

He became the host of Inside the NBA in 1990.

The program eventually became one of the most recognizable sports studio shows in American television.

Johnson developed a successful working relationship with analysts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal.

His calm presentation and ability to manage discussions helped establish the show’s reputation.

Over the years, he received multiple Sports Emmy Awards.

In October 2026, Johnson announced that the 2026-27 NBA season would be his final season hosting the program.

He also confirmed that he planned to remain involved in other television projects.

Ernie Johnson’s Mother and Her Influence on His Personal Life

Lois Johnson played a particularly important role in shaping her son’s understanding of family responsibilities.

While her husband traveled for baseball, she managed much of the household’s daily routine.

She supported her children’s education, sporting activities, and personal interests.

Johnson later recalled that his mother was present for important childhood moments, including his baseball games.

Her encouragement helped create a supportive family environment.

She also became known for her lively personality and sense of humor.

In a 2019 interview, Johnson described his mother as someone who remained energetic and enthusiastic well into her later years.

Following her passing in January 2023, Inside the NBA aired a tribute featuring memories shared by her grandchildren.

The tribute highlighted her importance to the wider Johnson family.

Ernie Johnson’s Wife and Children

Ernie Johnson Jr. married Cheryl Johnson in 1982.

The couple raised six children, including four adopted children.

Their family experiences have become an important part of Johnson’s public story.

He has frequently discussed the responsibilities of fatherhood and the importance of supporting children with different needs.

Their adopted son Michael, who had muscular dystrophy, passed away in October 2021 at the age of 33.

Johnson has spoken about the lessons he learned from Michael and the importance of recognizing every person’s value.

His approach to parenting reflects many of the values he learned from his own parents.

Johnson has also acknowledged the influence of his father’s example on his understanding of fatherhood.

Ernie Johnson Parents and Family Legacy

Ernie Johnson Jr.’s parents, Ernie Johnson Sr. and Lois Johnson, were central figures in his upbringing.

His father introduced him to professional sports and provided an example of a successful broadcasting career.

His mother offered stability, encouragement, and support throughout his childhood.

Together, they raised three children and maintained a marriage that lasted more than six decades.

Their influence remained evident as Johnson developed into one of the most respected personalities in sports television.

His decision to step away from Inside the NBA after the 2026-27 season also reflects his desire to prioritize family while continuing selected professional projects.

The lessons he learned from his parents remain an important part of his personal and professional legacy.