After finishing their meal, he suggested they swing by his uncle’s place for some music. Little did she know, it was actually a full-blown family gathering when they arrived. Magic proudly introduced Cookie to everyone, and they settled onto a plush couch in the living room, soaking in tunes and sipping soda. Even though they’d been practically inseparable since their first date, they hadn’t quite made things official. Then, out of the blue, Magic fell ill. Concerned, Cookie decided to drop by his dorm unannounced to check on him. But when she walked in, she found another girl lounging around in a bathrobe. Talk about awkward! After an uncomfortable silence, the girl left, and Magic tried to reassure Cookie that she was just a friend. Yeah, right. Cookie wasn’t buying it and decided it was high time they clarified their relationship status. Magic’s response? A half-hearted “You’re my girl.” Yeah, like she was supposed to believe that. Things got even messier when Cookie discovered that Magic had taken another girl to a sorority ball. And guess what? He pulled the same “she’s just a friend” card. Seriously? Cue the classic “But you say she’s just a friend” tune. Cookie had had enough. She laid down the law and told Magic he had to choose. And you know what he did? He picked the Sorority Girl over Cookie. Well, goodbye to that ashy mess.
When he got drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, the Sorority Girl decided to follow him to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Cookie finished her degree at Michigan State, moved back in with her mom and brother in Ohio, and landed a job there. She started dating again, but every time she tried to move on, Magic would call. He had ended things with the Sorority Girl and suggested Cookie move to LA since she wasn’t happy in Ohio anyway. She turned him down initially, but couldn’t completely cut ties with him. They ended up in a long-distance relationship, and just when things seemed to be back on track, Magic dropped a bombshell – he had a three-year-old son named Andre. Cookie couldn’t believe it. The child was conceived during a break-up between her and Magic, and the child’s mother was Magic’s sister’s best friend. It was a mess, but Cookie’s love for Magic made her accept the situation. A year later, while spending the summer in Michigan, Magic proposed to Cookie. She said yes, but soon after, she drove back to Ohio while Magic returned to LA. She started planning their wedding, but Magic called her back and said he couldn’t go through with it. It was a sudden and painful end to their relationship.
Now he needs a reality check. After a couple of years had gone by, she began seeing a new guy. He was over at her place when the phone rang. Surprise, it was Magic. Seriously, why hadn’t she changed her number? Frustrating. She explained she had company over, but Magic didn’t take it well, even though he was seeing someone else. This guy. Cookie kept seeing her new beau until New Year’s Eve, when she realized she still had feelings for Magic. The very next day, Magic called to wish her a happy New Year and revealed he was single too. He bluntly stated, ‘I want you back, this guy.’ And after four years apart, they decided to give their relationship another shot. Talk about a rollercoaster. They were still in a long-distance relationship, and Magic suggested she move to LA so they could see if they were compatible. Hold up, what? Cookie agreed, but she made sure to get her own place and job to maintain some independence. Smart move. In 1990, after being back together for a year, they went to Miami for NBA All-Star Weekend, where Magic proposed to Cookie once again. She said yes, and he started planning a simple wedding. She got her dress from New York City, and Magic assured her she just needed to show up. Seriously? What woman doesn’t want a say in her own wedding plans? This guy knows nothing about wedding planning. Then, while sitting in his car outside Cookie’s apartment one day, Magic dropped a bombshell: ‘I can’t do this.’ Unbelievable. Not again. He asked for the ring back, but Cookie was more annoyed than heartbroken. She refused to return it and made it clear, ‘We can call off the wedding, but we’re staying engaged. You won’t embarrass me again, Gary. You already look ridiculous.’ According to People magazine, Magic announced the end of their engagement to the press, stating he wouldn’t remarry until he retired from basketball.
When’s that happening, though? Cookie, however, had her own game plan. She kept showing up at his games, double-checked dinner plans over the phone, and just carried on like nothing had happened. Cookie was dead-set on her goal, wasn’t she? She claimed Magic tried to brush her off at first, but before long, they fell back into their usual groove. According to Cookie, every now and then, he’d lean in and joke, ‘Give me that ring,’ and she’d always shoot back with a firm ‘Nope.’ They could’ve stepped out of a comedy flick, those two. Cookie knew all about Magic’s yearly Bahamas getaway to unwind after the tough playoffs. But every year, just before leaving, he’d throw a pool party. This time, it was set to happen at the house they’d built together. Even though Magic was already living there, Cookie planned to move in once they tied the knot. Wives weren’t on the guest list for the party, and Magic kept it strictly guys-only, with a few exotic dancers and groupies thrown in for entertainment. The other players’ wives begged Cookie to talk some sense into Magic and cancel the wild bash. She tried, but Magic wouldn’t budge. In her memoir, Cookie remembered how he slammed the phone down on her more than once. She couldn’t shake the feeling that he might call it quits again. Maybe she should’ve taken a stand or moved into the house. Three days later, Magic phoned from the Bahamas. He didn’t confirm whether the party went down or not, but he did say he was ready to tie the knot after some serious thought. But Cookie wasn’t convinced. She suggested they ditch the Bahamas, hop on a plane to LA, and elope in Vegas. But Magic thought she deserved better. So, on September 15th, 1991, they said their vows in a Michigan church. People magazine even reported that Isaiah Thomas, a fellow Detroit Pistons player whom Magic used to greet with a kiss on the court, stood by his side as one of his groomsmen.
Amidst the company of 275 guests, they sealed their love with a tender kiss and exchanged heartfelt vows before whisking away to Malibu for a fleeting honeymoon. Cookie eagerly accompanied her newly-wedded partner to Paris, where he geared up for preseason exhibition games. Little did they know, amidst the excitement, a life-changing revelation awaited them.
While in Paris, amidst the hustle and bustle of preseason games, Cookie decided to take a pregnancy test. The joyous news of expecting a child was met with unexpected turmoil when Magic, her beloved husband, confided in her during an abrupt return home.
The phone call that followed, laden with emotion, shattered their world. Magic confessed to testing positive for HIV during an insurance exam. In the midst of his tears, he braced himself for Cookie’s reaction, fearing rejection. Yet, her unwavering support, her steadfast love, defied all odds.
As whispers of speculation circulated, questioning the origins of the virus, Cookie remained resolute by Magic’s side. Disregarding the rumors and accusations, she pledged her unwavering loyalty, standing as his rock in the storm.
Even as Magic acknowledged his past, admitting to a bachelor’s lifestyle prior to marriage, Cookie’s commitment never wavered. Amidst the uncertainty, one thing remained steadfast—Cookie’s devotion to her husband and their unborn child.
The relief of both Cookie and their child testing negative for the virus only strengthened her resolve. Together, they embarked on a journey of healing and recovery, with Cookie serving as Magic’s guiding light.
In the face of adversity, Magic found solace in Cookie’s unwavering love. Reflecting on their journey, he confessed that without her unwavering support, he might not have had the strength to endure. As he bid farewell to his basketball career with the Lakers, Magic acknowledged Cookie’s pivotal role in his life’s journey.
He was pushed into retirement in 1991. In June 1992, their son EJ came into the world. Despite their hopes for more children, medical barriers made it impossible for her to conceive without risking infection for herself and their unborn child. So, when EJ turned two, they embraced Elisa through adoption. Magic yearned to return to basketball, but Cookie urged him to move on. To everyone’s surprise, Magic admitted to the LA Times that he convinced Cookie to change her mind by offering her a million dollars. Eventually, she relented. Their marriage faced strains as they hit the 10-year mark. Cookie, speaking to Oprah Winfrey, opened up about the challenges of raising their children, both diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, while Magic poured his energy into expanding his businesses, leading to a growing emotional distance between them. Despite a brief separation in 2001, they chose to recommit to each other. Fast forward to 2019, on their 28th anniversary, they shared heartfelt messages on social media, affirming their enduring love. With access to top-notch medical care, Magic has effectively managed his HIV, keeping his viral load undetectable and never progressing to AIDS. Together, they’ve become outspoken advocates for HIV awareness and prevention. Despite facing what some might call “struggle love,” Magic and Cookie’s marriage continues strong, celebrating 32 years together, with best wishes for their future happiness.