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Having Stuck With Magic Johnson Through HIV Diagnosis, Wife Cookie’s Undying Love Honored Through Heartfelt Note on 32nd Anniversary

Published 09/14/2023, 12:08 PM EDT

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Magic Johnson is one of the most influential figures in the basketball world known for his fighting spirit. He won 5 championships with an indomitable will and valor. But his 1991 HIV diagnosis almost grounded him. This is when his supportive spouse stood by his side like a rock.

Years later, Magic Johnson recalls the light that shone his dark phase. Celebrating a grand milestone in his life lately, the Dream Team member shared a heartfelt note for his spouse on social media.

A beautiful message from Magic Johnson to his wife

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Magic Johnson met his wife Cookie Johnson in 1978 at Michigan State University. Over the next decade, they dated on and off. They finally got married in 1991. Celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary, Magic shared this message on Instagram.

Magic shared his happiness with a Bible verse and said that he is thankful for everything that he has. He is celebrating his 32nd wedding anniversary with his college sweetheart, who has been with him through all the tough times in their lives.

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Magic Johnson wrote “Today and for many years to come, I celebrate my wife of 32 years, Cookie Johnson on this very special anniversary.” This was followed by the bible verse from “Matthew 19:6″.  Magic has revealed numerous times that his wife is his strength, The couple have two kids together. On this milestone, the family is happy to be together and to have overcome all adversities in life.

Cookie was there for Magic when he needed her the most

Cookie is Magic’s biggest strength. Magic announced his retirement from the league in 1991, two months after getting married. This was after his diagnosis. He mentioned in an interview in 2016 that when he was diagnosed with HIV, he gave her the option to walk away from the marriage. But she stayed with him through the tough times. Magic also said in the interview that “I think that if Cookie had left, I’d probably be dead now…no question about it“.

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Cookie was pregnant with her first child when Magic made the announcement. She tested negative for HIV, and the doctor assured her that her child would also be negative because of that. In a joint interview in 2021, the couple shared their experiences from that time. Cookie said that people were not educated back then and were of the belief that we shouldn’t even touch people who have HIV. Magic then said it was tough when they found out, and they both just spent a few days hugging each other and crying. Magic is now a spokesperson for HIV and is fighting against the stigma surrounding the disease.

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Written by:

Rijin Varghese

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Rijin is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He has been following the NBA for over a decade. He likes to learn about the nuances of sports, understand every player's contribution to a team, and also learn the logic behind player signings and team building.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo