Magic Johnson Celebrates 33 Years of Marriage with Wife Cookie: 'I’m Beyond Grateful for Your Heart of Gold'

Mar. 15, 2025

Magic and Cookie Johnson in May 2024.Photo:Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Magic Johnsonis feeling thankful on his wedding anniversary.

“I thank God every day for blessing me with my wife, best friend, and loving mother of our amazing children all wrapped into one!” he continued. “I’m beyond grateful for your heart of gold, unwavering love for our family, and irreplaceable presence in this world.”

Cookie and Magic Johnson in 2007.Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Magic and Cookie first met at a college partyat Michigan State University in the late 1970s. A mutual friend introduced them to each other and at the end of the night, Magic learned that Cookie’s roommate wanted to date him. Instead, Cookie and Magic became a couple.

The pair dated on and off for more than a decade before getting married. They shareson EJand daughter Elisa. Cookie is also stepmom to Andre, Magic’s child with ex Melissa Mitchell.

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Earlier this summer, Magic and Cookie took their annual yacht vacation in Europe,making stops in Venice, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy and France.

The retired NBA star showed off scenic views from their boat, snapshots with friends and family, as well as pictures of himself and Cookie enjoying their time together.

Cookie and Magic Johnson in 1994.Steve Dykes/Getty

Steve Dykes/Getty

In 2016,Magic told PEOPLE about how supportive Cookie was amid his HIV diagnosis in 1991, facing his health journey alongside him. “I think that if Cookie had left I’d probably be dead now — no question about it,” the former NBA star said at the time.

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“The reason I live today, and the reason I work as hard today, is for my wife and my family," he added. “I knew that she was a special woman when I told her she could leave andshe decided to stay with me and support me."

source: people.com