Magic Johnson’s wife Cookie once revealed how she fell to her knees when the basketball icon revealed the news that he was HIV-positive. It was November 7, 1991, when the former Lakers man announced his diagnosis to the world and it put their 45-day marriage to test. Magic told Cookie that he would understand if she wanted to leave to leave, but his wife didn’t waver in her support saying, “I’m gonna stay here and help you live.” Last year, the couple celebrated 33 years of marriage, and a few days ago Magic poured his heart out for Cookie on her birthday.

On the professional front Magic Johnson and his Commanders will battle in the NFC championship game in a few days. But on the personal front, the year starts with the celebration of his wife’s big day. The NBA legend made an Instagram post which was a montage of their time together, starting with a picture from their youthful days. It also had moments with their children and highlighted their bond over the years. But it was Johnson’s voiceover of the video that was worth listening to.

“We have been together a long time, and she is the perfect partner for me,” Magic Johnson said at the start of the video. “This is my best friend. She’s an incredible mother, wife, (who) just changed my whole life and shaped it and she always allowed me to be me. And what I’m proud of her is that she’s a woman who is so strong and she has her own identity and she’s her own woman. If she had left, I wouldn’t be here. No way, no way on this earth. So, I got blessed with the right person as I tell her all the time and only beat me, because of the woman she is. I think I just love her so much.” 

The couple first met at Michigan State University in 1978 and dated on and off for a decade before getting married in 1991 and soon their commitment was put to test.

“It scared me to death. I mean, I fell to my knees,” she told “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts in 2016. “We both fell on our knees and we started crying.” Cookie recalled how her husband offered her to leave if she wanted, but she remained steadfast.

“He said, ‘If you want to leave, you know, I don’t blame you. It’s OK. I understand.’ Then I said, ‘Are you kidding me? No. I love you. I’m gonna stay here and help you live. I’m gonna stay here and we’re gonna beat this thing. We’re gonna figure out how to beat this thing,'” she told GMA. 

The newly-wed couple had also just found out Cookie was pregnant with their first child, E.J., and had to undergo tests for herself and her unborn child. After an anxious wait, the tests came out negative. As Magic Johnson battled with HIV, Cookie stood by his side. When Johsons decided to hold a press conference to announce his HIV diagnosis, Cookie shared the stage with him in a specially selected white outfit that “symbolized brightness and positivity” according to her.

In 2016, in an interview with PEOPLE, Magic Johnson talked about how thankful he was for his wife’s support during his HIV diagnosis. “I think that if Cookie had left I’d probably be dead now — no question about it,” he said back then.

Meanwhile, Magic Johnson also added a heartfelt caption in the birthday video for Cookie as she turned 66.

“Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife Cookie, my best friend, the mother of our children, and the partner who makes every dream possible. 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,” he wrote.

The 5x NBA Champion also quoted Proverbs 31:11-12, before ending his heartfelt note with, “Here’s to many more years of growing together and you making the world a better place just by being in it. I love you more than words could ever express!” As Johnson mentioned, Cookie is her own person and has craved her identity quite well.

Cookie shared the story of Magic’s HIV diagnosis from her perspective in her 2016 best-selling memoir, Believing in Magic. She is also a philanthropist and a businesswoman. When Magic founded the Magic Johnson Foundation to help raise awareness of the disease, Cookie became a board member and has served the role ever since. She has also also advocated for other causes such as the “Feed the Children” initiative.

In 2009, Cookie launched a denim line, CJ by Cookie Johnson. It was inspired by her experience of struggling to find jeans that suited her body type.

Previously, Magic Johnson made their anniversary day special with the help of a friend and music giant. For their 30th anniversary, legend Frankie Beverly and Maze performed just for the couple. Last year on September 14 as well when the couple celebrated their 33 years of marriage, Johnson posted a sentimental message on Facebook thanking his partner.

Sharing a video where we see snapshots of the couple together throughout their relationship, Johnson wrote, “33 years ago, I made the best decision of my life by marrying the beautiful Cookie Johnson. I thank God every day for blessing me with my wife, best friend, and loving mother of our amazing children all wrapped into one! I’m beyond grateful for your heart of gold, unwavering love for our family, and irreplaceable presence in this world.”

But that was not the only big moment that Johnson celebrated in 2024.

How Magic Johnson celebrated his wife’s birthday last year

The billionaire had arranged a lavish and grand weekend-long party at St. Tropez, France. The celebrations began with a lovely dinner. Cookie also received a sweet surprise! A spectacular fire dance to conclude the night. The duo went all the way to Turks and Caicos Island to celebrate her 65th birthday.

“Started my birthday celebration early last night with dinner and an amazing surprise from my good friend Gabriella @electlifestyle who sent us an outstanding traditional fire dancer! I was so surprised and enjoyed his performance so much! Thank you so much Gaby, I absolutely loved it!!”

On his X, Magic Johnson also hyped the expensive gifts and purses he bought for his wife. Importantly, he also shared some lovely snaps and snippets, as he prioritized Cookies’ special day before anything else. And the fans would be eager to know how this year the former point guard made it more special.