Apart from attaining fame for his triple-double brilliance on the court, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson was quite popular among the ladies during his NBA days. However, he still managed to show a level of dedication to his wife Cookie Johnson for over 30 years, which is quite rare in the city of Hollywood. Johnson and Cookie faced some difficult situations during the early years of their relationship. But, they continue to hold on to each other for over 40 years. Notably, the Lakers legend harbored some reservations about the concept of marriage. However, despite his reluctance about marriage, Magic Johnson made a grand gesture to please his wife Cookie Johnson on their 29th anniversary in 2020.

Magic and Cookie began dating in 1978 during their time at Michigan State College. However, the duo got distanced when Johnson was drafted into the NBA a year later. After joining the Lakers, Cookie and Magic had a lot of ups and down in their relationship. But, despite their differences, the two got hitched in 1991 and have remained together ever since.

Magic Johnson surprised wife with an admiring message

As per a 2020 Instagram post from Magic Johnson, the Lakers legend expressed his love for Cookie Johnson and deemed her presence in his life as a ‘gift from god’. The five-time NBA champ acknowledged Cookie’s contribution to his life and shared his gratitude to her.

Magic Johnson wrote, “Happy Anniversary to the love of my life and my gift from God, Cookie Johnson! After 42 years of knowing one another and 29 years of marriage, our bond is stronger than ever. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says that “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up…” 

Johnson added, “Through it all, I am forever grateful that you’ve loved me, supported me, and helped me up when I needed it. I love you more each day!” 

READ MORE: “If She Had Left Me, I Wouldn’t Be Here..”: Magic Johnson Once Opened Up About Wife Cookie’s Role During HIV Shock

Along with the beautiful caption dedicated to his wife, Johnson also shared some pictures of the couple together. The grand gesture was heartwarming as Johnson had his own problems with the idea of commitment.

Johnson was reluctant to commit to Cookie

Despite knowing each other since 1977, Johnson took a long time to get married to Cookie until they finally got hitched in 1991.

In his documentary ‘They Call Me Magic’, Cookie Johnson admitted that Magic once broke her heart before marriage. After shocking his wife Cookie with a proposal, Johnson had reservations about getting married. However, it took Magic Johnson a warning from Cookie to finally make up his mind.

WATCH THIS STORY: Magic Johnson drops the hammer on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as LeBron James nears iconic scoring record

Eventually, the jitters went away and the Lakers legend went through with a commitment that has lasted over 30 years.