The newlyweds had also just found out she was pregnant with their first child, E.J., now 24. The couple never kept it secret that their son, Earvin Johnson III, who goes by E.J., is gay, but Cookie and Magic Johnson explained how they came to terms with it. They had great conversation all night long as if they were old friends. How long have Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson been Married. When the Lakers would travel to Boston, Johnson recalls, some Black residents of the city would approach him and say they were backing the Lakers over their local team. He was so full of life. I've been in championships. Magic continued to go all out, dedicating three posts to her with a gallery of images of them from over the years. "'I'm looking at you like this sitting on this couch. Lansing, like most large cities in the midwest, was de facto segregated. All Rights Reserved. Best Known For: Earvin "Magic" Johnson dominated the court as one of the world's best basketball players for more than a decade. There was a lot of breaking up and getting back together, a lot of ups and downs. On September 14, 1991, Magic Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly at the First AME Church in Los Angeles. The Trump presidency made even more stark the entrenched legacy of racism and white supremacy all over the country, including in Michigan, where Johnsons parents still live. And I was very upset at the backlash 'cause I just played with a lot of the guys who didn't want me to come back," Johnson said. And Johnsons unique talent (it was while he was at high school that a local newspaper reporter coined his nickname), eventually brought the team a state championship in his final year. Magic has another son from another woman, 35-year old Andre. At the "They Call Me Magic" premiere, the NBA legend told Access Hollywood about how he. "You just sit there and say, what does this mean? He had married his long-time girlfriend Cookie in September of that year and they were expecting a baby. confirmed that the reality star had gone under the knife in August 2014 after hinting. Cookie joined her husband on stage for his announcement along with a specially selected outfit. It was right in front of our faces, you couldnt miss it, Johnson says, laughing. At that time, in the 1970s, he idolised players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, and Dave Bing, the Detroit Pistons point guard, who went on to become the citys mayor in 2009. During the 1993-1994 basketball season, Johnson tried his hand at coaching with the Lakers. Thats who I am.. Heres what you need to know about Cookie: #OnThisDay in 1991 NBA star Magic Johnson marries Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly. "And they say, 'Hey, we ran the tests a couple of times, and yes, you do have HIV.' "That was a difficult day.". Despite being diagnosed with such a life-threatening disease at the height of his career, he managed to survive and thrive as a businessman with the help and support of people like his wife Cookie. The NBA star and businesswoman, who met in college, have been together on and off for over 40 years and share two children together. He said, Yeah, by the way, give me your number. Im like what? she said. I've been in nine [NBA] Finals, so I know pressure. That would have been just devastating to me.". Weve lost too many lives that we shouldnt have lost with both Aids and Covid-19 Johnson. It's OK. Thats the country. So he never makes a quick decision. Initially opposed to the idea, Johnson reflects on it now as one of the most important experiences of his life. Leaving college after two years, Johnson was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979. That same year, he was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame. When had he found out? The Johnsons adopted their daughter, Elisa, when she was three days old. Today, he remains one of the most famous people in the world living with the virus. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnson's kids total to two. He also became the all-time leader in NBA assists per game, with an average of 11.2a title that he continues to hold today. A guy like myself swears by him, he says. That kind of got to me, because it had been boiling, boiling, boiling, boiling anyway. It was partly realising the publics general ignorance about the virus that spurred him into a career of advocacy work. Relationship history. Magic Johnson got married on September 14, 1991, to Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly. Ahead of HBOs new limited series Winning Time, which chronicles the rise of the Showtime Lakers in the 80s including Johnsons signing to the team, look back at his and Cookies relationship. Magic Johnsons wife Cookie is a very accomplished woman who has stood by his side for many, many years. [Cookie and I] had a difficult conversation. When Magic informed Cookie that he had likely contracted the disease via sexual contact, she was more concerned about his well-being. At that time, when you got something like HIV, there were so many things I didnt know, so they had to educate me about how the virus was going to act in my body, what I could expect. In her interview with Mocha Man Style, Cookie revealed how they maintain their spark. Cookie Johnson shares the story from her perspective in her new memoir, "Believing in Magic." He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, though he later returned in 1996 for one final season. "The key moment was when Cookie took the test and the results came back that her and the baby was fine," the retired NBA star told King, adding he was "scared to death" beforehand. She has since become known for her philanthropic work within various organizations. Johnson, who was vaccinated in public in April to help combat hesitancy over the jab, feels history repeating itself with a sense of personal sadness. As we talk today, right now, Im thinking, Wow its been 30 years and Im still here, healthy. Back at home, the news tested the strength of their marriage. Youve made me a better man, person, husband, father, and businessman. Magic Johnson's diagnosis in 1991 only inspired him to achieve greater heights professionally. In a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple said that they are still madly in love with each other and are soul mates. Johnson said she agonized while she waited for her test results for herself and her unborn child. ", "Yeah, you're just in disbelief and in shock," Johnson says. At the time of his diagnosis, Johnson thought the virus was a death sentence. Weve lost too many lives that we shouldnt have lost with both Aids and Covid-19, he says, but then he returns to that same sense of optimism. So, are they still in touch? "It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' Earvin "Magic" Johnson revealed to the world in 1991 that he was HIV positive and retiring from the Los Angeles Lakers. He then bought a small share of the team. He knows how he wants it done. Its really sad. Johnson first learned of his diagnosis after a routine physical ahead of the 1991-92 NBA season. We're gonna figure out how to beat this thing,'" she recalled. Cookie Johnson is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and clothing designer. It frustrated me to try on every pair in the store and leave with nothing.. Initially, Cookie admittedly was not in favor of Magic holding the press conference announcing his HIV diagnosis due to the stigma surrounding the disease. Both of them were set to go home for Christmas break the next day. I often tell people when you make a mistake, you not only hurt yourself, but you hurt the ones that love you. — -- Magic Johnson's wife, Cookie Johnson, recalls the moment her NBA star husband told her the devastating news that he was HIV-positive. Before taking on a more prominent role with her husband, Cookie also served as spokeswoman for the National Medical Association Immunization Public Service Announcement. Their legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come as they serve as role models for anyone looking to make positive changes in the world today. I hope we can turn a corner. Like Magic, Cookie attended and graduated from Michigan State University. ", In a 2021 interview with Gayle King on CBS, he explained how his decision and diagnosis weighed on his relationship with Cookie. Johnson at an international symposium on HIV and Aids in Tokyo in 1993. After that, his focus finally began to shift. As a boy, he practised basketball relentlessly, encouraged by his father, who worked grinding shifts at a local General Motors plant. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. ", "And that's why I came back," he said. Cookie Johnsons Profession and Charitable Interests. She is doing so many different things within the HIV/AIDS world to make sure others arent faced with the same thing eventually because it is truly an awful virus. Please enter valid email address to continue. Cameras flashed and reporters clamoured to ask questions, but Johnson, National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar and one of the worlds most revered athletes, appeared unfazed as he announced his immediate retirement. Magic Johnson news, gossip, photos of Magic Johnson, biography, Magic Johnson girlfriend list 2023. I just knew that this is what made him happy. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Cookie has a net worth of $50 million. His public appearances always make Johnson smile, but his treatment by former president Donald Trump, who often outwardly shunned the countrys foremost infectious disease expert, was infuriating. You know, he was changing the world. So they thought you couldn't touch people, you couldn't hug people," she said. After years of unsuccessful dieting, EJ Johnson underwent gastric sleeve surgery when he was 22 years old. He said, Yes, I will. I gave him the number and literally the day I set foot back on campus he called me., In the same interview, Cookie recounted her first date with Magic. Because of that, she took action and created her own brand. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. As you can see, Cookie Johnson has done a lot of good in her life. In the 1984 NBA Finals, Johnson again encountered rival Bird, who had signed with the Boston Celtics. And I didn't want people to treat us like we were lepers," she told King. Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly, 63, was born in Huntsville, Alabama. Who is Magic Johnsons Wife, Earletha Cookie Johnson? This is just the start though. During his 1991 press conference Johnson also made clear that his aspirations in business meant he simply had to go on living. All rights reserved. He taught him the art of aggressive, fast-paced basketball, and how to read the game. Instead, they went to a steak house. He also made headlines when he came out publicly as gay back in April of 2013 during his sophomore year at New York University. Are we where were supposed to be? He ended up retiring again before returning to the sport he loved one more time in 1996. Venice is absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed touring the city by water taxi! The couple celebrated 25 years of marriage in Italy in September 2016 with a big party and trip to Europe. Johnson first learned of his diagnosis after a routine physical ahead of the 1991-92 NBA season. She designs a popular brand of jeans that sells throughout luxury department stores in the US called CJ. This time, however, L.A. was defeated by Philadelphia, losing four consecutive games to the 76ers and winning none during the series. He wanted to own his own NBA franchise and had harboured a desire to make and create wealth from a young age. This was the Showtime era when the Lakers reignited the NBA with a brand of fast-paced, flamboyant ball play that won them five championships. I've been in championships. By far, marrying you was one of the best decisions Ive ever made.. He taught him the art of aggressive, fast-paced basketball, and how to read the game. Much of his efforts have focused on developing urban areas, bringing Starbucks coffee franchises and movie theaters into underserved communities. They got married in September of 1991 in a private ceremony in Lansing, Los Angeles. And the medical experts Dr David Ho and Dr Anthony Fauci assured him that he could go on to live a healthy life. According to Cookie, that was the moment she fell in love with him. Her brand is sold in over 500 specialty stores in the United States. There were mixed reviews about his comeback, with several players uncomfortable with the idea of playing alongside an HIV-positive athlete. I'm gonna stay here and we're gonna beat this thing. "I just sat her down and began to tell her that I had HIV," he says. Tall order Johnson shoots for Michigan State Spartans against the Kentucky Wildcats in c 1977 in East Lansing, Michigan. A lot of people are afraid to hug and kiss those with HIV or AIDS because theyre afraid theyre going to get it. Professional rivalry and racial dynamics Larry Bird of Boston Celtics and Magic Johnson during the 1984 NBA Finals at the Forum in Los Angeles. On September 14, 2021, Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson celebrated their 30-year wedding anniversary. A post shared by Earvin "Magic" Johnson (@magicjohnson) on Sep 3, 2016 at 9:28am PDT, Essence wrote that Magic organized a black tie affair on the Yacht Club de Monaco with over 100 of their famous friends to honor their special day., Having birthday lunch with family is always special #Blessed #FamilyIsEverything #Grateful, A post shared by Cookie Johnson (@thecookiej) on Jan 20, 2017 at 1:46pm PST. And so I just lost it right there, you know?". He wore a white tux and she a white gown and large tiara. I didn't want to wear anything dark or black because to me, it's what it symbolized. March 6, 2022 Todd Williamson/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. It was everything rolled into one. We get popcorn. Johnson came out as gay to his family at the age of 17 and came out publicly in 2013 after a report by TMZ published pictures of him holding hands with a male friend. "I wore that white suit for a reason. He did well in his first season (1979-80) with the team, averaging 18 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. "You're sitting there like, 'Man, how could this happen to me?' EJ is a television celebrity, while Elisa has also made appearances on the big screen. The wedding ceremony was attended by many famous personalities including other NBA superstars such as Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas. Magic said he had a change of heart after a tough conversation with his son. And while his HIV is still undetectable, he must take his medication everyday. And what I would find out later is that is the way America is. She wrote her booka few years back, which discusses her choice to stay by her husbands side during his HIV diagnosis instead of leaving. Ebony magazine has tapped Magic & Cookie Johnson for the cover of their July issue, and the couple gave an exclusive interview covering an array of topics ranging from the recent drama surrounding Donald Sterling, to wealth building.

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