Meet Magic Johnson’s supportive wife, Cookie Johnson: the ex-Lakers star’s college sweetheart stuck by through infidelity rumours and his HIV diagnosis, and enjoys yacht holidays in the Mediterranean

Keeping the tradition of their annual Mediterranean holiday alive, the Johnsons enjoyed time in Spain, exploring Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca before sailing to France, where they had an 80s-themed party, and enjoyed dinner at Mamo Michelangelo in Antibes.

Here’s everything to know about the woman Magic Johnson has described as the reason he is alive today, per People.

What is Cookie Johnson’s background?

Per AL.com, Cookie Johnson was born Earleatha Kelly in Huntsville, Alabama. She was named for her father, Earl Kelly, and her mother nicknamed her “Kookie” after a teen idol character on the popular 77 Sunset Strip TV show. She has two siblings, Pat and Harold Earl. The name “Cookie” came about when she started using it herself before first grade – and it stuck.

Cookie attended Councill Training School in Huntsville until she was six years old, which is when the family moved to Detroit.

She met Magic Johnson at a college party

It was love at first sight for Magic, who met Cookie in the 70s while they were both students at Michigan State University. On The Jennifer Hudson Show, he described spotting his future wife at a party, describing her as wearing the “tightest jeans” that “caught a brother’s eye”. The pair were briefly introduced by a mutual friend before Cookie took to the dance floor. As the night came to a close, Magic waited for her by the door and asked for her number.

What is their relationship like?

As romantic as their first encounter was, the Johnsons’ relationship hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Magic was rumoured to have cheated on Cookie multiple times before they got married, and while the couple were on a break in 1981, his ex-girlfriend Melissa Mitchell gave birth to their son André Johnson. Despite proposing to Cookie, Magic also called off their engagement twice. The third time, Cookie gave him an ultimatum, saying, “If you’re going to break the engagement, we’re breaking up [for good],” per People.

Despite everything, the Johnsons seem to be going strong 32 years into their marriage. Cookie gave birth to their son, Earvin “EJ” Johnson III, in 1992, and the couple adopted their daughter, Elisa Johnson, in 1994.

She is a devout Christian

Once again, it Cookie’s faith that helped her embrace her son EJ when he came out as gay. She told Oprah Winfrey on SuperSoul Sunday that she could accept her son after praying to God. She now advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

She’s an entrepreneur, author and philanthropist

In 2009, Cookie founded the premium denim brand CJ by Cookie Johnson, which shut down in 2015. In 2016, she became a New York Times best-selling author with her memoir Believing in Magic.

She is a board member of SodexoMagic, a food and facilities management company founded in 2006 as a partnership between Sodexo and Magic Johnson. She is also a member of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Council and is a spokesperson for women’s rights. Cookie also uses her platform to raise awareness about HIV/Aids and is an inspirational speaker.