“It was hard because I loved her so much and I hated to hurt her,” Magic Johnson said, recalling how the toughest part of his life was telling Cookie Johnson about his HIV diagnosis. Cut to the present, their love has prevailed, and the two are still happily married. They are a shining example of the perfect couple who have had their share of highs and lows and are still together. In September this year, they will celebrate their 34th anniversary. But before that, on Valentine’s Day, the couple had to show their love to each other.

Taking to Instagram, the 5x NBA champ wrote the most wholesome message for his wife, expressing gratitude for being with her. “Through every season of life, you’ve been my greatest blessing. After 40+ years, I’m still in awe of you and thank God everyday that I get to call you mine. To my love Cookie, Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️” Johnson wrote. 

These college sweethearts met for the first time at Michigan State University somewhere in the ’70s and immediately fell in love. Johnson knew that he had found the right person. One of the most interesting stories once shared by Johnson himself was how Cookie’s roommate was the first to like him. 

However, Johnson and Cookie happened to meet first. “Her roommate told her, ‘I’m gonna meet Magic Johnson, he’s going to be my boyfriend.’ Isn’t that crazy? And then I meet Cookie first, and the rest is history,” Johnson said on the Jennifer Hudson Show.

Johnson’s message could be a response to Cookie, who took to social media first to express her love for her Valentine. “After all these years, you are still the one who makes my heart smile! My forever Valentine, my greatest gift from God, and my love for a lifetime. I love you, Earvin!” Cookie wrote on her Instagram sharing some photos from their vacations and award shows. The last slide has a picture of the couple from their younger days. Johnson also commented on the post and wrote, “My forever valentine. I love you!”

They are truly an NBA power couple. But all these years of togetherness have been a mix of challenges and cherished moments.

Magic Johnson was worried for his wife

It was just a month after the basketball legend was diagnosed. He didn’t know how to break this news to his wife. “I’ve been in nine [NBA] Finals, so I know pressure. But there was no greater pressure than driving home to tell her,” Johnson said. His wife was devasted upon hearing about his diagnosis. After ensuring both Cookie and their child were safe, Johnson focused on his health.

“I wanted to make sure that she was going to be okay, the baby was going to be okay, and then I can move forward with making sure I was going to be okay,” he added. Their son EJ Johnson was born in July 1992. The couple also later adopted their daughter, Elisa in 1995.

Both are often spotted together at events. The couple was recently seen at their alma mater MSU game against USC. On January 20th, Johnson wrote a heartwarming birthday wish for his wife. “Over 40 years together, and every day I am more grateful for the incredible blessing you are in my life. Your love, strength, and wisdom light up our home and our world. Thank you for being the heart of our family and the foundation of our journey together. You are more than I could ever ask for…” the Los Angeles Lakers legend wrote along with sharing a clip of nostalgic pictures and best moments. 

Through every trial and triumph, their love has only grown stronger!