Power couple Magic and Cookie Johnson cover the July issue of EBONY magazine where they exclusively discuss weathering the storm around the recent controversy concerning Donald Sterling, their nonstop business endeavors, how they keep their love going as empty- nesters and living a fulfilled life with HIV.
Following the heels of the media frenzy brought on by Sterling’s remarks, Magic discusses when he first caught wind of the racist remarks made by the owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.
“I’m glad that I was able to stand up for our people and be the voice,” said Magic regarding the situation.
The Johnsons, who have been married for 22 years and dated 14 years prior, are also a couple with proven longevity. The two get intimate with EBONY on how they have made their love last.
“We had our ups and downs,” admitted Cookie. “We had a period where we were about to separate. There was a point where I was home all the time; he was working,” she continued. “Sometimes you start growing apart a little because he’s seeing new adventurous stuff. He’s out in the world. He’s growing. [But] I’m stagnant.”
However, Magic reveals that it was he who had to learn to make changes.
“If I had kept going [that way] and the kids left, we would probably be divorced,” says Magic. “Now we’re so connected to each other, but it took that situation to bring us back.” He also added, “I’ve always told Cookie, ‘The only thing I wanted was to grow old with you.’ [Now] we just look at each other and say how blessed we are.”
Meanwhile, Cookie has become a businesswoman herself with her own premium denim line, CJ, and Magic admits it made him look at her in a new light.
“It’s so sexy,” he says with a wink. “It is beautiful to see her become this brand; this CEO.”
“They’re really a power couple,” added Holly Robinson Peete, a longtime friend of both Magic and Cookie. “And yet you still see how in love they are. With grace, forgiveness and love, they represent everything that is real and authentic about Black love.”
After being diagnosed with HIV in 1991, Magic became an advocate of HIV/AIDS prevention and research, and gives EBONY a heartfelt discussion on coping with and living a full life with the disease.
“In my quiet moments is when I cry inside to say, ‘Thank you, God, that I’m here to see my kids, play with my grandkids,” Magic said tearfully.
The article continues to discuss the Johnson’s sense of fashion, their children, and being empty-nesters.