It was a milestone week for Magic and Cookie Johnson. Just days after celebrating 34 years of marriage, the couple honored the memory of their late friend Elizabeth Taylor in a special way. Surrounded by loved ones—including Tina Knowles—Cookie received recognition for her decades of advocacy work on behalf of the HIV-positive community.
For the Johnsons, the moment carried deep meaning. When Magic publicly announced his HIV diagnosis in 1991, the shock extended far beyond basketball. What seemed like the sudden end of his Hall of Fame career became a turning point in public awareness. Behind the scenes, Magic first confided in Cookie, his college sweetheart, apologizing for his infidelity before facing the world.
More than three decades later, their bond remains unshaken. Together, they’ve worked to dismantle stigma and empower millions living with HIV. Magic became a symbol of resilience, while Cookie emerged as a tireless advocate, ensuring that the conversation around health, love, and support continues.
For her work, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Night of Compassion honored her with the ETAF 2025 Champion award on this night. The Johnsons have been regulars at this award for many years, but the award made this one special.
After the event, in typical Magic & Cookie fashion, the NBA WAG had to show her gratitude in a heartfelt Instagram post. “What a powerful evening last night at The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation’s Night of Compassion,” she wrote under snaps from the evening. “To be recognized as the 2025 ETAF Champion was such a blessing, and I was overjoyed to celebrate my dear friend Tina Knowles as she received the Commitment to End AIDS Award. The night was filled with incredible entertainment from Jordin Sparks, we had a stellar host, Melvin Robert, and it was an honor to sit alongside Elizabeth’s grandson, Quinn Tivey, through it all!”
She ended it by repeating her commitment to the cause. “The experience was a true reminder of what can happen when we come together in compassion, faith, and action to fight for change in achieving an AIDS-free world. 💜”
Cookie missed mentioning one of her closest friends, Tina Knowles, who shared the honor with her.
Cookie’s eventful week with Magic Johnson
Magic and Cookie Johnson shared glimpses of their special anniversary celebration with loved ones on social media. At the ETAF Night of Compassion gala, Cookie was still overflowing with the vibes of their 34th wedding anniversary.
“We just got a few of our closest couple of friends, and we just had a brunch at the Bel-Air Hotel,” the 66-year-old told media at the red carpet. “Sunday was such a beautiful day, and just sitting around with family and friends.”
The Thursday following their anniversary, the Johnsons arrived at the fundraiser in Beverly Hills for a star-studded night. Along with the night’s headliner, Jordin Sparks, the night’s honorees also featured Beyonce’s mom, Tina Knowles.
Fresh off her breast cancer revelation, Tina channeled Elizabeth Taylor in a purple number and a diamond and emerald necklace reminiscent of Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic Bvlgari emerald suite. She stated a lot still needs to be done to de-stigmatize HIV and AIDS, as she was honored with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award.
Their work destigmatizing HIV is not the only connection Knowles shares with Magic and Cookie. The couple’s friendship with Beyonce’s mom goes way back. Tina has even supported their daughter, Eliza’s, business ventures as a patron.
This week wasn’t only about Magic and Cookie’s marriage. It was also about the friends who’ve supported them along the way. So spending this gala with Knowles and others made the award special.