After retiring from an amazing career as one of the best players the NBA had, the all-time favorite Magic Johnson has become not only a successful entrepreneur but a great husband and father of his wonderful family as well.
Although not a fan of the public eye, Magic Johnson’s oldest son, Andre, sometimes shares some snaps that tell us about his life. A recent photo posted by him on his Instagram shows an adorable sunset moment he has with his son Avery, Magic’s grandson.
Cookie Johnson & Earvin 'Magic' Johnson at Mercedes-Benz presents the Carousel of Hope Ball benefitting Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes on Oct. 11, 2014 in California | Image: Getty Images
Born in 1981, Andre is the NBA legend’s first son from a relationship he had with a woman named Melissa Mitchell. The boy was mostly raised by his mom, though Magic used to visit him occasionally.
Fortunately, as Andre was growing up, both built a healthy father and son relationship. In fact, for a period of time, Andre became the Vice President of Magic Johnson Enterprises, and they even have spent vacations on Hawaii together. Photos from that trip were viral on social media.
FAMILY MAN
Johnson’s family started in September 1991, when he got married to Earlitha “Cookie” Kelly, after being together for 12 years. a couple of months after they wed, Magic broke the news about having HIV. Cookie was pregnant at the time.
Fortunately, both, mother and unborn baby tested negative for HIV. That following year, their first child, a son named Earvin (EJ) Johnson III, was born completely healthy. In 1995, wishing to expand their family, the couple adopted a baby girl, Elisa.
In 2013, EJ came out as a gay man, and Magic was a very supportive father all along. The siblings have been part of the cast of “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills”, and they both have already jump-started their own careers in entertainment, as TV personalities and fashion references.
THE COUPLE
Even after having some misunderstandings in the past, and after receiving the news on Magic’s condition, today the Johnsons still remain happily married. In fact, last year they threw a lavish party to celebrate their 60th birthday in St. Tropez, France.
Cookie and the former NBA player shared several photos and videos on their social media. Some of the guests included director Spike Lee, actors Chris Tucker, Jennifer Lopez, and actress Angela Bassett, who was so thrilled that she shared a slideshow of photos from the event.
INTERRUPTED CAREER
Earvin (Magic) Johnson, became one of the best NBA players for 13 years playing with the Lakers. He won 3 MVP Awards, appeared in 9 NBA Finals, was All-Star 12 times, and led the Lakers to the championship four times during the 1980s.
In 1991, Johnson announced he was HIV positive; very little was known of the virus at the time so he had to retire abruptly. However, he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award.
Besides basketball, other achievements include building a business empire (Magic Johnson Enterprises) with real estate holdings, Starbucks franchises, movie theaters, and shares of sports teams. He is also a published author and an activist for HIV awareness.
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