Magic Johnson Reveals What Almost Cost Him His Marriage To Wife, Cookie Johnson

Ebony magazine has tapped Magic & Cookie Johnson for the cover of their July issue, and the couple gave an exclusive interview covering an array of topics ranging from the recent drama surrounding Donald Sterling, to wealth building.

But that's not all! Within the special issue, which also features the magazine's annual “50 Finest List,” the Johnson's also share their secrets to maintaining a healthy, stable marriage despite Magic’s rigorous work schedule.

“We had our ups and downs. We had a period where we were about to separate,” Cookie revealed. “There was a point where I was home all the time; he was working. 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.”

“If I had kept going [that way] and the kids left, we would probably be divorced,” the NBA legend added. “Now we’re so connected to each other, but it took that situation to bring us back. 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.”

Check out more of the Johnsons exclusive interview in the July 2014 issue of Ebony magazine now on newsstands.