A look at the professional career of Magic Johnson's wife, Cookie Johnson
Magic Johnson's wife, Cookie Johnson, has been married to the LA Lakers icon for more than 30 years already. She is also a self-made woman who has built an impeccable reputation as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and designer.
Known simply as “Cookie” to friends and business associates, the former Cookie Kelly finished her studies at Michigan State University. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Textile Clothing, which paved the way for her clothing brand, “CJ by Cookie.”
It was a brand that catered to women of an average size. She later admitted that she found it hard to find anything for her size, which pushed her to open the premium denim line. Her brand was a resounding success that allowed her to venture into other platforms that proved she’s more than Magic Johnson's wife.
Magic Johnson's wife’s career
"CJ by Cookie" was established in 2009 and was found in more than 500 department stores across the USA. When online shopping increased exponentially in 2015, Magic Johnson's wife stopped the business just six years after it opened.
Like “The Magic Man,” Cookie is a charming speaker who also spends part of her time touring the country giving motivational talks and speeches. She is sought-after by many because of her insightful, funny and practical approach to life despite the glamor of living in Hollywood with Magic Johnson.
Where Johnson was at his best electrifying the crowd with his basketball skills, Cookie flourished as an inspirational speaker.
Linda and I hosted a book signing for Cookie Johnson's new best seller "Believing In Magic." https://t.co/gMuPWigjL0
Cookie Johnson’s repertoire isn’t just limited to speeches that inspire people. She is also a best-selling author who wrote “Believing in Magic.” The book was published in 2016 and is a thoughtful and inspiring memoir of many things, most especially as Magic Johnson's wife.
The year 1991 was a huge turning point in the LA Lakers legend’s life both on and off the court. He temporarily suspended his battles with such icons as Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, Hakeem Olajuwon, John Stockton and others after testing positive for HIV.
It was during this year that Johnson married Cookie Kelly and also made her the secretary of The Magic Johnson Foundation. She has retained that role until now.
#OnThisDay in 1991 — NBA star Magic Johnson marries Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly. bit.ly/2c8Wdfh https://t.co/VvUpELS7h2
The organization has been one of the biggest contributors to the study and prevention of HIV and AIDS for more than 30 years. Outside of “Junior,” she’s easily the most recognizable and popular face of the aforementioned foundation.
Cookie Johnson as a philanthropist
Magic Johnson's wife admitted later in life that her most horrifying moment came when the LA Lakers great publicly announced he had HIV. At that time, she was pregnant with Earvin Johnson III, or simply known as E.J. of the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills fame.
Fortunately, EJ was born without complications, but the NBA superstar was lambasted by many for putting the lives of his wife and kid in danger. He was largely ostracized by some of his friends, colleagues and fans.
One of those moments when you remember exactly where you were at that moment. Magic Johnson’s HIV announcement🙏One of those moments when you remember exactly where you were at that moment.
https://t.co/govOjjpNwp
Magic Johnson, however, learned from his humiliating mistake to make something great come out of it. He married Cookie and turned her into The Magic Johnson Foundation’s most tireless worker.
To this day, HIV and AIDS are still topics that not many are very familiar with. It's because of this that Magic Johnson's wife has made a huge difference in educating people and funding programs to prevent the dreaded disease.
The Magic Johnson Foundation has provided free HIV/AIDS testing to more than 38,000 Americans and has educated nearly 280,000 people about HIV, risk factors associated with the disease and the importance of HIV testing. https://t.co/qvcCsv4IyR
The Magic Johnson Foundation isn’t the only place or opportunity where Cookie Johnson shares his skills, experience and heart. She’s known to be an energetic worker and supporter of battered and homeless women. Cookie Johnson is a frequent presence at the Union Rescue Mission and the Downtown Women’s Center.
Despite her fame and money, she’s never lost her desire to help those in need.