Holding It Down! 15 Secrets of Celeb Couples Who’ve Stayed Together For Years

12. Earvin “Magic” Johnson & Earlitha “Cookie” Johnson

It’s been over 20 years since NBA legend Magic Johnson walked down the aisle with his college sweetheart Cookie, but their union is as strong as ever. When Magic announced that he was HIV positive  in 1991, many doubted that his new marriage would survive the devastating diagnosis. However, Cookie remained committed to their marriage, and the disease brought the couple even closer together. “I never even thought about leaving,” Cookie has said. “To stay by him was not a hard thing to do.”

Magic says, “I don’t know of many women who would have stayed in this situation,” and he credits having a strong faith as the foundation of their marriage. “God and Cookie give me the strength to carry on.” Since retiring from the NBA, Magic has started the Magic Johnson Foundation to help raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, and Cookie can be seen at every event proudly supporting her husband. Their love and marriage is an inspiration, showing that you can turn adversity into an opportunity to raise awareness and help others while being truly devoted to one another.