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[protected-iframe id=d38edc4e43748d8b05dc4bf57f6176c2-62957618-114657895 info=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/32545640 width=420 height=245], Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy. When Magic Johnson's iconic basketball career was interrupted by a stunning HIV diagnosis three decades ago, the newlywed NBA legend had no idea how much time he had to live or how the virus would affect his wife and their unborn child. / CBS News. Back at home, the news tested the strength of their marriage. Today, Johnson runs point in the boardroom as CEO of his namesake company, an investment company focused on providing high-quality products and services to underserved communities. Magic Johnson's rivalry with fellow basketball legend Larry Bird began when the two attended college and lasted throughout their time in the NBA. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "There wasn't a lot of knowledge back in 1991.". Relationships. The couple recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and have raised three children together, Andre, E.J. Cookie Johnson shares the story from her perspective in her new memoir, "Believing in Magic. ", "I didn't have time to get mad about whatever happened, you know, or start asking questions. He also made headlines when he came out publicly as gay back in April of 2013 during his sophomore year at New York University. Initially, Cookie admittedly was not in favor of Magic holding the press conference announcing his HIV diagnosis due to the stigma surrounding the disease. 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. "I wanted to make sure that she was going to be okay, the baby was going to be okay, and then I can move forward with making sure I was going to be okay," the former Lakers president said. The Celtics beat the Lakers in a tight competitionfour games to threefor the 1984 championship. He had married his long-time girlfriend Cookie in September of that year and they were expecting a baby. Johnson attended New York University, studying hospitality with a focus on event planning and design. The couple has three children together: Andre, EJ, and Elisa. Cookie also has authored a best-selling book about her and Magic Johnsons life named Believing in Magic. So they thought you couldn't touch people, you couldn't hug people," she said. And so why am I judging him? Magic said. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. He finally retired for good that same year, leaving behind an impressive legacy. I didn't want to wear anything dark or black because to me, it's what it symbolized. When Magic informed Cookie that he had likely contracted the disease via sexual contact, she was more concerned about his well-being. We get popcorn. 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. He was supported by his family in his decision to come out publicly. 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Video related to cookie johnson, magics wife: 5 fast facts you need to know. The NBA star and businesswoman, who met in college, have been together on and off for over 40 years and share two children together. "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. "And what came out of the physical was, 'You have HIV. Magic was one of the most prominent basketball players in NBA history. I had to make sure that I was open-minded enough to ask a lot of questions, go get a lot of information from different people," he said. 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. We cant be cheering for Boston, those white guys, he recalls them saying. Jun 10, 2014, 02:02 PM EDT | Updated Dec 6, 2017. #blackmarriageday earvin johnson jr. and earlitha kelly pic.twitter.com/jPYQrLom8C. Magic and Cookie had been married just over a month when Los Angeles Lakers team doctor Micahel Mellman delivered the devastating news in 1991. In 1992, he had his latest book, My Life, published. Thats who I am.. The latter was adopted in 1995. Who is Magic Johnsons Wife, Earletha Cookie Johnson? Tall order Johnson shoots for Michigan State Spartans against the Kentucky Wildcats in c 1977 in East Lansing, Michigan. Plus other revelations from Cookie Johnson's new memoir, Believing in Magic. How Magic Johnson Told His Wifeand Ex-LoversHe Had HIV. "It was hard because I loved her so much and I hated to hurt her," Magic said. He had all these ideas. Theres no way hes going to pick me over all these other women.. Andre is known for staying out of the public eye. "The worst thing about it is I knew I was going to hurt her," he says. E.J., when he walks in a room, this is the most confident guy. How Did Magic Johnson Contract HIV? What We Know - Distractify In November 1991, Johnson retired from the Lakers after revealing that he had HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. He established the Magic Johnson Foundation to support HIV/AIDS research efforts and awareness programs that same year. I told him Im not giving you my number because youre not even going to remember me in a month. Larry is a quiet guy and wants a quiet life. How many girlfriends did Magic Johnson have? - ElegantQuestion.com We met in college as freshmen [at Michigan State]. This was the first of several match-ups between the two teams. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Magics departure from the NBA remains one of the most shocking moments in sports history. He and Cookie have been together throughout this time, and neither she nor their son, Earvin Johnson III, have HIV. His oldest son Andre is also an entrepreneur who worked first for his fathers Magic Johnson Enterprises and then later became the Vice President of Business Development at Mythical Games. He and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson have been married since 1991. Cookie Johnsons Profession and Charitable Interests. "I wasn't sick." On November 7th, 1991, Earvin "Magic" Johnson sent shockwaves through the basketball community and the world when he announced his abrupt retirement from basketball due to contracting HIV. The diagnosis was especially hard for Johnson. Before taking on a more prominent role with her husband, Cookie also served as spokeswoman for the National Medical Association Immunization Public Service Announcement. Initially opposed to the idea, Johnson reflects on it now as one of the most important experiences of his life. In one of the most famous matchups in college basketball history, Johnson went head-to-head with Indiana's star forward, .css-47aoac{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#A00000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-47aoac:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Larry Bird. Johnson first learned of his diagnosis after a routine physical ahead of the 1991-92 NBA season. Earvin "Magic" Johnson says telling his wife Cookie about his HIV diagnosis was the "toughest" thing he's ever had to do. There were his teammates at the Los Angeles Lakers, who embraced him, and would go on to support him when he returned to play again, first as part of the 1992 Olympics dream team and then during another stint at the Lakers. Heres what you need to know about Cookie: #OnThisDay in 1991 NBA star Magic Johnson marries Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly. "Yes, because I was scared to death," he said. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnson's kids total to two. The late actor Elizabeth Glaser, who herself contracted HIV after receiving a contaminated blood transfusion, encouraged his public advocacy. (@elisajohnson) on May 28, 2016 at 3:13pm PDT, EJ was a star on the reality TV show, Rich Kids of Beverly Hills.. All Rights Reserved. She has been a key part in reducing the number of infections of the virus in the African-American community by further educating women about the disease and further testing thats available. I want to dance with these people over here, she said. He dreamed of the NBA from a young age. Without those two, he says. . Cookie, our 30 year marriage has been the best time of my life, he wrote on Instagram. Thats the country. 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. He hoped to return to professional basketball for the next season, but he dropped that plan amidst fear from other players who were concerned about playing with an HIV-positive competitor. Magic has had his wife Cookie along for the ride. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Cookie has a net worth of $50 million. Back at home, the news tested the strength of their marriage. Who is Magic Johnson dating? Magic Johnson girlfriend, wife And I didn't want people to treat us like we were lepers," she told King. I'm gonna stay here and help you live. Cookie Johnson is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and clothing designer. During The Lakers ShowTime Era, the team was led by capable players, all of whom played a significant role in the 5 Championships that the Lakers won in the 80s. And what I would find out later is that is the way America is. At the "They Call Me Magic" premiere, the NBA legend told Access Hollywood about how he. Had he grappled with his own mortality? The Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson story is a testament to love, dedication, and commitment to bettering themselves and their community. And she was dying at that time. Magic Johnson news, gossip, photos of Magic Johnson, biography, Magic Johnson girlfriend list 2023. Now, how can I help you?". On September 14, 2021, Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson celebrated their 30-year wedding anniversary. However, she was upset when he told her he'd understand if she wanted. Cookie Johnson, Magics Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. I'm Earvin. But there was no greater pressure than driving home to tell her." Magic Johnson's Wife Cookie: How They Met, Married, Kids - Parade I thought he was going to take me to Arbys, she said. But the toughest part of his diagnosis, he said, was to drive home and tell his wife. It was Nov. 7, 1991, when Los Angeles Lakers star player Earvin "Magic" Johnson publicly announced his diagnosis and sent shock waves across the nation. 10 Things You Might Not Know About Jimmy Butler, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Name: Magic Johnson, Birth Year: 1959, Birth date: August 14, 1959, Birth State: Michigan, Birth City: Lansing, Birth Country: United States. Today, he remains one of the most famous people in the world living with the virus. "He said, 'If you want to leave, you know, I don't blame you. Everything about Magic seems so wholesome, including the fact that he has been married to his wife, Cookie, for over 30 years now and that the duo has been together since they first met in. In 1991, he announced that he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. We have a long way to go. In 1991, he announced that he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. "We both fell on our knees and we started crying.". But he still longed for the game of basketball, and his first retirement would not last long. She even released a book called Believing in Magic which highlighted the journeys theyve gone through together and how she dealt with the sad news. Like a date, date. He's very intelligent, and his mindset is like his dad's. Johnson then teamed up with his old rival Bird to write the 2009 book When the Game Was Ours, which explores their rivalry, their experiences on the court and the sport they love. I just thought forget it. Everything has gone right. "You're sitting there like, 'Man, how could this happen to me?' The NBA star and businesswoman,. Your login session has expired. He said to me: Earvin, youve got to remember youre in the south and thats how theyre used to talking to Blacks. It was a real eye-opener.. It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' She even released a book called "Believing in Magic" which. He started comparatively small, with a minor investment in the LA Lakers that has since ballooned into a large investment portfolio, centred around sport teams in Los Angeles. [Cookie and I] had a difficult conversation. The One Thing That Almost Cost Magic Johnson His Marriage. . Cookie was also pregnant at the time, which certainly scared her. Magic Johnson - Son, Stats & Wife - Biography And that trumped everything," she told CBS News. But, as he remembers the period shortly after the diagnosis, he thinks of those he relied on. According to Cookie, that was the moment she fell in love with him. By far, marrying you was one of the best decisions Ive ever made.. 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. In the 1987 NBA Finals, they again defeated the Boston Celtics, and Johnson received the NBA Finals MVP Award for the third and final time in his career. At the centre was Johnson, the tallest point guard in NBA history (2.06 metres; 6ft 9ins), whose adaptability, court vision and creativity fundamentally transformed the position. You need to get up and figure that out.'". Cookie stood by her husband's side all along, but she initially did not want him to hold the now-famous Nov. 7, 1991 news conference announcing his diagnosis and short-lived retirement because of the stigma surrounding AIDS. And she wanted me to go public. 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. 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. When did Magic Johnson and Cookie Kelly get married? Please enter valid email address to continue. "It was like, 'Who is he calling? Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic athletes and NBA players in basketball history. You couldn't hug people. A. The wedding ceremony was attended by many famous personalities including other NBA superstars such as Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas. Undeterred, Johnson played in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. "It scared me to death. The couple have worked together to promote awareness of the disease, they told Haute Living. How long has Magic Johnson been married? .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}10 Things You Might Not Know About Jimmy Butler, Nat Sweetwater Cliftons First NBA Season, The True Story of the Michael Jordan Film Air, Michael Jordans Two Requests for The Movie Air, What Sonny Vaccaro Did After Nike Air Jordan Deal, Get to Know NCAA Tournament Star Caitlin Clark. She had a degree in retailing of clothing and textiles. The soul comes from her [Cookie]. The state-mandated integration of education brought its own tensions: playground fights and bullying. "Oprah's Next Chapter" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. The team also included such strong players as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jamaal Wilkes and Norm Nixon. I plan on going on living for a long time, bugging you guys like I always have, he told reporters, his optimism surprising those who viewed his condition as a death sentence. Much of his efforts have focused on developing urban areas, bringing Starbucks coffee franchises and movie theaters into underserved communities. There they faced off against the Indiana State Sycamores. And that's what we did.". Venice is absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed touring the city by water taxi! She designs a popular brand of jeans that sells throughout luxury department stores in the US called CJ. Cookie and Magic Johnson on His HIV Diagnosis, Their Son Being Gay, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. It also dives deeper into their lives after Magic was hit with the devastating news. Ever since the day I laid eyes on you in 1978 I knew you were the one for me. Johnson formally returned to the Lakers in early 2017 as president of basketball operations. When and How Did Magic Johnson Get HIV? - The Cinemaholic I went to a club. Among them was the 1979 NBA Draft first overall pick, Irvin "Magic" Johnson. He dreamed of the NBA from a young age. Best Known For: Earvin "Magic" Johnson dominated the court as one of the world's best basketball players for more than a decade. He lights up describing the buzz of it. I think we both gotta give Elizabeth Glaser a lot of credit for our strength in helping us to really understand what we had to go through as a family and then myself, what I had to go through, Magic said.