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Nov. 7 , 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Magic Johnson (right) and his wife Cookie Johnson (left) during the press conference held by the Magic Johnson foundation at the Staples Center. 20 years to the date Irvin “Magic” Johnson announced his HIV status and retirement from the NBA. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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Nov. 7 , 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Magic Johnson (right) and his wife Cookie Johnson (left) during the press conference held by the Magic Johnson foundation at the Staples Center. 20 years to the date Irvin “Magic” Johnson announced his HIV status and retirement from the NBA. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Magic Johnson knows how to have fun. Whether he’s dazzling on the basketball court with his famous smile or hosting yacht parties in Europe with stars like Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J. He knows how to make the most of every moment. From birthday celebrations to dinner dates with his wife, Cookie, or sitting courtside with A-list celebrities, he brings energy, style, and joy to everything he does.
And he recently brought that grand celebratory energy to the Lakers’ reunion. The Showtime Lakers legends reunited at Magic and Cookie Johnson’s home. With Michael Cooper, James Worthy, AC Green, Norm Nixon, and Kurt Rambis all there to celebrate the iconic era they created. Worthy even shared on social media, “Memorial Day with some of my Showtime Lakers family at Magic’s party,”. More than just a reunion, it was a celebration of the dynasty they built together.
However, Magic Johnson’s wife wasn’t present there. But only a week ago, she was having her own little party accompanied by their son EJ at the Broadway. She went to cheer up and see plays that starred her friends. And later Cookie Johnson made two dedicated Instagram posts for each of the plays she saw. Their captions were really insightful. The first post was all about the play “Purpose”. She wrote “Last week I went to New York to see some plays with family and friends and it was the best time!! I saw Purpose, starring my best friend LaTanya Jackson, who put on an outstanding performance.”
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It’s clear how much Cookie Johnson loves her friends, especially LaTanya Jackson. She ended the caption by saying “I am so glad I was able to see her, I am so proud and happy for her!!” That’s a true motivating friend right there. Cookie’s next post was about the other play she saw “Othello”. It starred Magic Johnson’s long time friend and neighbor Denzel Washington. For this play too, Cookie had high praises.
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She said “The second play I saw was Othello, and it was brilliant!! I also got to see another great friend of mine, Denzel Washington and he was remarkable as always!” The statements are a true appreciation from Cookie, for the art and the artist both. She didn’t leave out the other star. “His co-star Jake Gyllenhaal and the entire cast was also amazing.” And that’s how Cookie Johnson’s fun trip to New York with EJ Johnson and a few other friends ended.
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Magic Johnson’s absence didn’t stop Cookie…
While Magic Johnson built a business empire off the court, Cookie Johnson has quietly shaped their family’s legacy through social investment. Even in Magic’s absence, she ensured that the celebrations for a higher purpose continue. As seen during a recent gathering marking the second year of The Village Scholarship (TVS) program. This initiative is a partial scholarship for elementary students. It eases financial burdens on families.
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Magic's absence at Cookie's event—Does it show their strength as a power couple or divide?
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Launched in January 2024, TVS awarded $25,000 grants to 12 first-grade scholars in its pilot year. “We are happy to support Private School Village and this new important scholarship program, The Village Scholarship. It helps pave a brighter future for Black and brown elementary school students,” the couple said in an official statement. Now, with the program expanding, Cookie had every reason to celebrate its growth.

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The intimate gathering, hosted by Cookie Johnson and Lizzy Mathis, highlighted TVS’s impact as it entered its second year. Now supporting 14 students across 9 private schools with a $340,000 investment. “This afternoon’s intimate gathering… was so lovely! We gathered to celebrate The Village Scholarship. Now in its second year… We want to grow this program as it’s needed now more than ever,”. A post from Private School Village (PSV), the nonprofit driving the initiative.
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Though Magic Johnson wasn’t present at the latest celebration, his commitment to education and uplifting communities remains undeniable. Just recently, he made headlines for a major contribution to an HBCU, proving his dedication to social causes runs deep. But this moment belonged to Cookie, whose leadership has turned TVS into a transformative force. What began as a pilot program is now changing lives and with Cookie’s passion steering the mission, this is only the beginning.
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Magic's absence at Cookie's event—Does it show their strength as a power couple or divide?