Magic Johnson is celebrating 35 years of marriage with his wife, Cookie Johnson.
The former NBA star marked the milestone Monday with a heartfelt tribute to his longtime partner. Johnson shared a slideshow of photos featuring moments from their relationship, including images from their wedding.
“Happy 35th anniversary to my forever love, Cookie. 35 years of you choosing me, building with me, and holding this family together with a grace I’ll never take for granted,” Johnson wrote.
“You’ve been my partner in every real sense of the word…through the years that made the highlight reels and the ones that didn’t.”
Johnson also turned to his faith while honoring his wife. He included a passage from Proverbs 31:29 in his anniversary message.
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all” (Proverbs 31:29), he wrote. “That’s you, in every season my love.”
“I love you more today than the day I put your ring on your finger. Here’s to many more years of loving you ❤️.”
The couple celebrated their anniversary Sept. 14. They married on the same date in 1991 during an intimate ceremony in Lansing, Michigan, Johnson’s hometown.
From Michigan State to 35 Years of Marriage
Johnson and Cookie first met as students at Michigan State University in the late 1970s.
Their relationship eventually led to marriage, but their journey was not without challenges. The couple had been together for years before officially becoming husband and wife.
Their family grew after the wedding. They welcomed their son, Earvin “EJ” Johnson III, in 1992. They later adopted their daughter, Elisa Johnson, in 1994.
Johnson also has a son, Andre Johnson, from a previous relationship.
The couple’s marriage faced a major test shortly after their wedding.
In November 1991, Johnson publicly announced that he had tested positive for HIV. The announcement came only weeks after he and Cookie married.
Cookie remained by her husband’s side as they faced the diagnosis together. Johnson has repeatedly credited her support as an important part of his life after his diagnosis.
During a 2016 interview, Johnson reflected on the moment he told Cookie about his HIV status. He said they cried together as they processed the news.
“It was difficult. We cried for a couple of days just holding each other,” he said. “She thought it was a death sentence because that’s all we knew.”
Johnson later explained how deeply her decision to stay affected him.
“I think that if Cookie had left, I’d probably be dead now – no question about it,” Magic explained. “The reason I live today, and the reason I work as hard today, is for my wife and my family.”
He also described Cookie as someone who helped him through one of the most difficult periods of his life.
“I knew that she was a special woman when I told her she could leave and she decided to stay with me and support me,” he added.
Cookie Johnson Celebrates the Milestone
Cookie also shared a glimpse of the anniversary celebration Tuesday.
She posted photos from what appeared to be a beachside getaway with her husband. The longtime couple appeared to enjoy the milestone together away from the spotlight.
“We had such an amazing day celebrating our 35th anniversary yesterday and want to thank you all for the well wishes and warm messages! Here’s to many many more years of us 💛💛,” Cookie wrote.
The anniversary comes after decades of major personal and professional milestones for both Johnsons.
Magic Johnson went from becoming one of basketball’s biggest stars to building a successful business career. Cookie has also established her own career as an entrepreneur and advocate.
Through those changes, their marriage has remained a consistent part of both of their public lives.
Johnson has previously spoken about Cookie’s importance during his basketball career and beyond. At his 2002 Basketball Hall of Fame induction, he publicly thanked his wife for her role in his life.
“The only reason that I’m living after 11 years, honey, is because of you,” he told Cookie from the stage.
“And I married you because you used to throw me the basketball back when I was shooting jumpers back at Michigan State. I thank you for being the best wife and the best mother and my best friend all at the same time.”
Thirty-five years after their wedding, Johnson’s latest tribute reflects the same appreciation.
For the Lakers legend, the anniversary is about more than reaching another milestone. It is about celebrating the woman who has shared the highs, lows and everything between with him.
And according to Johnson, his love for Cookie has only grown with time.