A Look at Magic and Cookie Johnson's Photos Through the Years as the Couple Celebrates 34 Years of Marriage Stephanie SengweSeptember 14, 2025 at 7:00 AM 0 Magic Johnson/Instagram Magic Johnson and wife cookie Earvin "Magic" Johnson was intrigued the minute he laid eyes on his future bride, Earleath...
- - A Look at Magic and Cookie Johnson's Photos Through the Years as the Couple Celebrates 34 Years of Marriage
Stephanie SengweSeptember 14, 2025 at 7:00 AM
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Magic Johnson/Instagram
Magic Johnson and wife cookie
Earvin "Magic" Johnson was intrigued the minute he laid eyes on his future bride, Earleatha Kelly ,aka Cookie, at a party back in the '70s.
"I never asked her to dance," he recalled to PEOPLE back in 2016. "I just watched her dance, and I said, 'I've got to get to know that woman." And that he did. He went on to get her number and the two communicated the entire time they were on Christmas break. By the time school opened the next semester, the two were a couple.
Though they went through some ups and downs, the pair wed on Sept. 14, 1991, in Magic's hometown back in Michigan. They would go through some public hardships together, most prominently, Magic's HIV diagnosis in 1991.
"It was difficult. We cried for a couple of days just holding each other," the former Laker told PEOPLE. "[Cookie] thought it was a death sentence because that's all we knew."
Still, Cookie supported her husband, explaining why she wore a white suit to stand by Magic's side the day he revealed the diagnosis to the world.
"I wore that white suit for a reason," she told Gayle King. "I didn't want to wear anything dark or black because to me, it's what it symbolized. And the white suit, to me, symbolized brightness, like a future basically [and] positivity."
Below, see photos of Magic, Cookie Johnson and their family as the couple celebrates 34 years of marriage.
01 of 17
Where It All Started
Magic Johnson Twitter Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson
After meeting in at Michigan State University in the '70s, Magic married Cookie Johnson on Sept. 14, 1991, in an intimate ceremony that took place in Lansing, Michigan his hometown.
02 of 17
Through Thick and Thin
Harry Langdon/Getty Magic Johnson & wife Cookie Johnson
Shortly after the couple wed, Magic publicly revealed his HIV diagnosis on Nov. 7, 1991.
In an interview with Gayle King back in 2021, the Lakers legend revealed that telling Cookie about his diagnosis was the hardest part.
"It was hard because I loved her so much and I hated to hurt her," Magic stated. "I've played against some of the best basketball players in the world, right? I've been in championships. I've been in nine [NBA] Finals, so I know pressure. But there was no greater pressure than driving home to tell her."
In 2016, Magic also revealed he had given Cookie the option to leave their marriage, and that her choice to stick by his side saved his life.
"I think that if Cookie had left I'd probably be dead now – no question about it," Magic told PEOPLE. "The reason I live today, and the reason I work as hard today, is for my wife and my family."
03 of 17
Pulling Through
Steve Dykes/Getty
Magic and Cookie Johnson
The Johnsons managed to pull through. In 1994, he was announced as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Cookie was right by his side, beaming with pride.
04 of 17
Forever in Love
Magic Johnson Instagram
Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson
In celebration of their 32nd wedding anniversary in 2023, Johnson shared this cute throwback of the young lovebirds in a video tribute to his wife. "To my beautiful wife, my love, and my partner, I appreciate your everlasting love and encouragement you give me each and every day," he wrote in part.
"Your love for Christ, dedication to our family, and heart for service [others] continue to drive me to be the best man I can be. I will always honor and support you in any way that I can, now and forever. "
05 of 17
Young Family
Robin Platzer/Getty Images
Magic Johnson, holds his son with wife Cookie
Magic and Cookie welcomed their first child together, son Earvin "EJ" Johnson III on June 4, 1992, who joined older brother, Andre Johnson, whom Magic welcomed in a previous relationship. In 1994, the Johnsons completed their family with the birth of their daughter Elisa.
06 of 17
Showing Support
J. P. Aussenard/WireImage
Magic Johnson and Family
The entire family — including Magic's family — was on deck to support the basketball legend as he got honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001.
07 of 17
Classic Throwback
Magic Johnson/Instagram
Magic Johnson and wife Cookie
The couple looked nice and relaxed in this classic throwback Magic shared for their 30th anniversary.
08 of 17
Johnson Family Adventures
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Magic Johnson and his family
It was a day of adventure as the family celebrated Magic's 47th birthday at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California back in 2006.
09 of 17
Happy Days
Magic Johnson/Instagram
Magic Johnson and Cookie Johnson
The two lovebirds were snapped looking giddy and in love if this blast from the past.
10 of 17
Movie Night
JC Olivera/WireImage
Magic and Cookie Johnson with their kids
The family was dressed to the nines in April 2022 as everyone — including Andre's wife, Lisa — was in attendance at the premiere of Apple's They Call Me Magic, which chronicled their patriarch's incredible life and career on and off the court.
11 of 17
On Vacation
Magic Johnson/Instagram
Magic and Cookie Johnson with their family
One thing's for sure: The Johnsons love to vacation in style. Above, the couple is pictured with their loved ones aboard a luxury yacht in 2023.
12 of 17
Party People
Cookie Johnson/Instagram
Magic and Cookie Johnson
The couple turned it up with some foxy ensembles for "Soul Night."
13 of 17
Forever Dates
Magic Johnson/Instagram
Magic and Cookie Johnson on vacation
They later pared it down for a relaxed dinner.
14 of 17
Doing Good
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images
EJ, Elisa, Cookie, Magic, Lisa, and Andre Johnson attend The Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS at The Beverly Hills Hotel on September 21, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California.
The entire gang was all smiles as they supported The Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2023.
15 of 17
Friends to Family
Cookie Johnson/Instagram
Magic and Cookie Johnson with friends
When it comes to company, the Johnsons know the more the merrier. And their guestlist doesn't disappoint. Above, the couple is pictured with friends Judge Greg Mathis and his wife Linda Reese, Michael Jordan, and his wife Yvette Prieto, as well as Samuel L. Jackson and his wife LaTanya Richardson.
16 of 17
Go, Commanders!
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Magic and Cookie Johnson with their kids
"My family and I rocking our new Commanders swag on the yacht today in Greece!" the Laker Legend lightly flexed.
The serial businessman has stakes in the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, the Los Angeles Football Club and the Washington Spirit, among other business ventures.
17 of 17
Keeping up with the Johnsons
Magic Johnson/Instagram
Magic and Cookie Johnson with their family
The tradition continued in summer 2025 as the entire family — now including Magic and Cookie's two grandkids, Gigi and Avery — snapped this pic while on vacation.
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