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Magic Johnson and his wife Earlitha Cookie Johnson are one of the most popular and exemplary celebrity couples in American public life. Considering they have been married for over 30 years, that’s quite some feat. Throughout Johnson’s career, Cookie supported him during every controversy and crisis. One such incident took away Johnson’s career. However, despite the world telling her otherwise, Cookie didn’t leave the Los Angeles Lakers Legend’s side. An unbelievable time that created a lot of uncertainties amongst the NBA fandom, couldn’t budge Cookie’s love for her husband.
Magic Johnson had to retire early from the game due to his HIV contraction. The news devastated his family to the brink of separation. Fortunately, the only thing Cookie cared about was Magic’s life and nothing else, as the 63-year-old once revealed in an interview.
Her friends advised Cookie to leave Magic
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The couple has seen a lot throughout Johnson’s NBA career. Their whole relationship has gone through a topsy-turvy journey. A few years ago when Cookie Johnson was promoting her memoir Believing in Magic, she revealed the testing time when Johnson retired from the NBA due to his HIV diagnosis.
“We had just found out a week before that I was pregnant. It was devastating.” said Cookie. She further added, “And, of course, everybody’s like ‘why did you stay’ or ‘why weren’t you mad at him?’, ‘Why didn’t you get upset and leave?’ You know, and I could have, I could have done that but for me, The first thought was, ‘oh my god, he’s going to die’. And then I had to make a decision, and I loved him very much and so, I didn’t think about all the rest of it. To me the main thing was let’s help him live.“
Cookie’s brave choice is a major contributing factor to the position the Johnson family is currently in. In terms of his heath, Magic is doing perfectly fine as his HIV contraction didn’t lead to anything fatal. Their three kids also live happy and peaceful life.
Additionally, the Lakers legend was successful in creating a business empire and is now worth $620 Million.
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The brief history of Magic Johnson Enterprises
Magic Johnson Enterprises was the business endeavor that the Lakers legend focused on after retirement. The investment company owns businesses from various sectors, and also from the world of sports.
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The five-time NBA Champion’s company owns businesses ranging from movie theaters to sports franchises. Johnson is a part owner of the LA Dodgers and LAFC too. The company also invested in EquiTrust insurance company. According to reports, the company is valued at $1 Billion.