Magic has had his wife Cookie along for the ride. Article Title: Magic Johnson Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/athletes/magic-johnson, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: April 19, 2021, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. Cookie Johnson shares the story from her perspective in her new memoir, "Believing in Magic." Earvin "Magic" Johnson says telling his wife Cookie about his HIV diagnosis was the "toughest" thing he's ever had to do. As we talk today, right now, Im thinking, Wow its been 30 years and Im still here, healthy. The couple was overjoyed, but a call from the L.A. Laker's team doctor changed everything. It was partly realising the publics general ignorance about the virus that spurred him into a career of advocacy work. "I've played against some of the best basketball players in the world, right? Johnson first learned of his diagnosis after a routine physical ahead of the 1991-92 NBA season. He was so full of life. Magic was one of the most prominent basketball players in NBA history. He also has a son, Andre Johnson, from a previous relationship. His wife has also recently learned she was. And then, finally, the results came in and what they told me was that if the mother is negative, then the baby is automatically negative. I had to come to realize that this is who he is, and he's going to be happy. Johnson is adamant that she never wavered in supporting her husband. They told me that the three-drug combination was going to save my life, and they were right.. Cookie serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Magic Johnson Foundation where she focuses on the health, social, and educational needs of those residing in underserved communities and is involved in the development of the Foundations programs, objectives, and goals. I dont know where they livemaybe under a rock. When Magic informed Cookie that he had likely contracted the disease via sexual contact, she was more concerned about his well-being. The Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson story is a testament to love, dedication, and commitment to bettering themselves and their community. We see each other at events. November 4, 2021 / 8:47 AM And that trumped everything," she told CBS News. Magic Johnson's Wife Cookie: How They Met, Married, Kids - Parade We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right,contact us! It taught me how to work alongside somebody who doesnt look like me, he says. She educated parents and caregivers on the importance of immunizing children in urban areas against various viruses. Please enter valid email address to continue. That hurt me." They met each other way back in 1977 and hit it off within a few weeks of getting to know each other. Before taking on a more prominent role with her husband, Cookie also served as spokeswoman for the National Medical Association Immunization Public Service Announcement. This was the first of several match-ups between the two teams. Earletha Cookie Johnson was born on January 20, 1959, in Alabama. He has a combination of both of us, Magic said. Powered by. Magic said he had a change of heart after a tough conversation with his son. Even one of his Olympic teammates, Karl Malone, expressed concern about having to play against Johnson after he got cut on the court during a game. 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. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnson's kids total to two. On November 7, 1991, basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson stuns the world by announcing his sudden retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers, after testing positive for HIV, the virus that . "This woman here, God let me know why I married her, why he brought us together, Cookie told Roberts. According to Cookie, Magic didnt ask her to dance. Cookie wrote in her 2016 memoir, Believing in Magic about the night he revealed to her that he had been diagnosed with HIV. While their early days werent the easiest, the couple has stuck it out together and continues to be advocates against HIV/AIDS. "We both fell on our knees and we started crying.". The diagnosis was especially hard for Johnson. No. For the second time in his pro career, the Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers for the championship title. EJ has become quite popular himself over the years and has appeared on several TV shows including his reality show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. "I don't know what would have happened if I'd have got that news that she had HIV as well. The lights came up and I happen to be walking by where he was sitting and I said it was nice to meet you. The couple, who met as students at Michigan State University in the 1970s, had married about a month before his diagnosis and they had just learned about her pregnancy. ", First published on November 4, 2021 / 8:47 AM. He was called back home from a pre-season game in Utah, so that Lakers team physician Dr. Michael Mellman could deliver the news in person. Your login session has expired. Thirty years on, he discusses his relationship with Anthony Fauci, the meaning of money and why hes still optimistic. How had he acquired the virus? The following season (1982-1983) saw the third Finals match-up between the Lakers and the 76ers in four years. Johnson has since built up a business empire, which includes real estate holdings, Starbucks franchises, movie theaters and shares of professional sports teams. In a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple said that they are still madly in love with each other and are soul mates. In 2008, he shared his secrets for success with the book 32 Ways to be a Champion in Business.