Magic Johnson is praising his wife, Cookie, for continuing to stick by his side through his HIV diagnosis.
The former Los Angeles Lakers star attended Thursday’s Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS. Johnson and his wife, Cookie, who have been married since 1991, were honored with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award for their continued work in HIV research and education. Johnson typically declines such honors. However, he accepted this award with Cookie and their children, Andre, EJ, and Elisa, by his side. Addressing his loyal wife directly during his speech, Johnson thanked her for sticking by him when he first learned he was HIV positive shortly after they wed.
“I said to you, ‘I understand if you want to leave me,’ and you smacked me so hard,” Johnson recalled his intense conversation with Cookie years ago.
Cookie was found to be HIV-negative, as with the couple’s children. She has worked with her former NBA superstar husband to help change the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.
“I tell this story is because a lot of people don’t get that type of support. That’s right. When they tell their parents or tell their loved one, or tell their partner. And you have stuck right beside my side every step of the way,” he added. Additionally, Johnson acknowledged how that grace has now been extended to an openly gay son, EJ.
The Johnson family has donated over $15 million to Black and brown communities and a number of HIV initiatives.
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