Cheryl Pistono is best known as NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s former partner from 1977 to 1985. Born September 9, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, she’s a mother of four, a practicing Buddhist, and has worked in nursing, legal, and accounting fields. She shares one son, Amir, with Abdul-Jabbar and later married Steven Jenkins.
Early Life and Family Background
Cheryl Pistono entered the world on September 9, 1956, in the small town of LaSalle, Illinois. Her parents, John Joseph Pistono Jr. and Sylvia Ann Waclaw, raised five children in a working-class household that emphasized hard work and family loyalty.
Growing up alongside her siblings, Kay, John, James, and Jeffery, Cheryl experienced a typical Midwestern childhood. The values her parents instilled would later shape her approach to relationships and parenting. However, Cheryl’s spirit of independence emerged early, setting her apart from her peers.
At just 16 years old, Cheryl made a bold decision that would change her life trajectory. She left her family home in Illinois and moved to California’s West Coast, seeking opportunities beyond what her small town could offer.
What was Cheryl Pistono’s childhood like in Illinois?
Life in LaSalle provided Cheryl with a grounded upbringing. The tight-knit community and family-centered values gave her a stable foundation. Her parents worked hard to provide for their five children, teaching them resilience and determination.
Despite this stability, Cheryl felt drawn to something more. The cultural changes sweeping America in the early 1970s influenced her desire to explore beyond the Midwest. This restlessness would eventually lead her to California, where her life would take unexpected turns.
The California Years
After arriving in California at 16, Cheryl’s life transformed dramatically. She attended high school on the West Coast and quickly adapted to a lifestyle vastly different from her Illinois roots. In a 2014 Sports Illustrated interview, Cheryl recalled getting “into the high life. Hanging out at Hugh Hefner’s, weekends in Las Vegas, stuff like that.”
This period exposed her to wealth, celebrity culture, and social circles far removed from her working-class background. Yet despite the glamour, Cheryl remained grounded in her search for deeper meaning. She pursued education in nursing, which would provide career stability for years to come.
The late 1970s California scene also introduced Cheryl to Buddhism. This spiritual practice would become central to her identity and eventually connect her with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The mindfulness and compassion principles she learned would guide her through life’s challenges.
How did moving to California change Cheryl Pistono’s life?
California offered Cheryl opportunities impossible in small-town Illinois. She gained exposure to diverse cultures, spiritual practices, and career paths. The nursing education she received established a professional foundation, while her exploration of Buddhism provided spiritual grounding.
This combination of practical skills and spiritual depth prepared Cheryl for the complex relationship she would later navigate with one of basketball’s biggest stars. Her independence and self-awareness helped her maintain her identity even when dating a cultural icon.
Meeting Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Cheryl and Kareem met in 1977 when she was 21 and he was 30. Their pairing seemed unlikely from the start. Cheryl knew nothing about basketball and didn’t recognize the seven-time NBA champion when they first encountered each other.
In fact, Cheryl initially had no interest in Kareem. She later explained: “I had no interest in him because I never liked the people who were into the sports mentality, and despite everything else, he obviously was. He expected me to fall all over him. Women always had.”
What changed her mind was Kareem’s unexpected gesture. “One day, he brought me a rose from his garden. He was serious as hell! I thought, oh, I’ve got to get this person to laugh. All I could think of was not hurting him,” Cheryl recalled.
Their shared interest in Buddhism created a deep intellectual and spiritual connection. At the time, Kareem had been separated from his wife, Habiba, since 197,3 but hadn’t filed for divorce. Cheryl encouraged him to take that step, showing the influence she would have on his personal decisions.
What made Cheryl Pistono different from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s other partners?
Cheryl brought intellectual curiosity and spiritual depth to their relationship. Unlike many who approached Kareem as a celebrity, she saw him as a person first. Her Buddhist practice aligned with his own spiritual journey, creating common ground beyond basketball fame.
Kareem himself acknowledged Cheryl’s profound impact. He stated she influenced him more than his coaches, teachers, or teammates. She pushed him to think beyond being just a player and encouraged him to become a leader who listened to others.
The Relationship Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1977 | Cheryl and Kareem meet; a relationship begins |
| 1978 | Kareem divorces his wife, Habiba (Cheryl’s encouragement) |
| 1980 | Son Amir Abdul-Jabbar is born |
| 1980-1984 | Relationship continues; Cheryl influences Kareem’s business decisions |
| 1985 | Couple separates amicably; Cheryl marries Steven Jenkins |
The couple’s relationship lasted approximately seven to eight years. During this time, Cheryl played a significant role in Kareem’s life both on and off the court. The birth of their son Amir in 1980 strengthened their bond and gave them a shared purpose.
However, maintaining a relationship with one of basketball’s most famous players came with challenges. The public scrutiny, travel demands, and pressure of Kareem’s career created strain. By 1985, they decided to part ways while maintaining a commitment to co-parent Amir.
Why did Cheryl Pistono and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar break up?
The reasons for their split were never publicly detailed, but the pressures of celebrity life and different life goals likely contributed. Cheryl valued privacy and normalcy, while Kareem’s career demanded constant public attention. Their separation was described as amicable, with both prioritizing their son’s well-being.
Cheryl later emphasized their successful co-parenting approach: “The reason we have a great relationship is because I don’t drag him back through those days and those issues. To do that would cause more problems. We made a pact because of our son. That was more important than anything we didn’t like about each other.”
Cheryl Pistono’s Influence on Kareem’s Career
Beyond their romantic relationship, Cheryl significantly impacted Kareem’s professional life. She questioned his business arrangements when others wouldn’t. In the late 1980s, when Kareem sued his former business manager, Thomas Collins, for financial mismanagement, Cheryl’s concerns proved valid.
She spoke about this situation: “There is definitely a lot of lying, a lot of deceit. I used to ask, ‘Wait a second, what is this guy (Collins) getting out of this?’ Kareem never asked those kinds of questions. I did, and Tom Collins didn’t like it.”
Cheryl encouraged Kareem to think critically about the people around him. She pushed him to be more than an athlete, to develop leadership skills and social awareness. This influence helped shape Kareem’s later career as a writer, activist, and cultural commentator.
How did Cheryl Pistono help Kareem Abdul-Jabbar off the court?
Cheryl provided Kareem with a perspective outside basketball. She challenged him to question authority, trust his instincts about people, and consider the bigger picture. Her Buddhist philosophy complemented his own spiritual practice, helping him navigate fame’s complexities.
She also gave him emotional support during challenging times. The Lakers’ championship years in the 1980s brought pressure and scrutiny. Cheryl offered a private refuge where Kareem could be himself rather than a public figure.
Professional Life and Career
While Cheryl is primarily known for her relationship with Kareem, she has built her own professional identity. Her nursing education provided a stable career foundation. She worked in medical settings where her compassion and practical skills served patients well.
Cheryl also gained experience in legal and accounting offices. These roles demonstrated her versatility and intellectual capabilities. Working in law offices requires attention to detail and understanding complex regulations. Accounting work demanded financial literacy and organizational skills.
These varied professional experiences gave Cheryl independence and confidence. She never relied solely on her relationship with a famous athlete for identity or security. Her ability to support herself professionally allowed her to make relationship decisions based on personal fulfillment rather than financial necessity.
What does Cheryl Pistono do for a living now?
Current information about Cheryl’s professional activities remains limited. Her Facebook profile indicates she is self-employed, though specific business ventures aren’t publicly documented. At 69 years old (as of 2025), she may be retired or working in a private capacity.
Her focus appears to be on family life and personal pursuits rather than public-facing work. This choice reflects her longstanding preference for privacy over publicity.
Marriage to Steven Jenkins and Family Life
Shortly after separating from Kareem in 1985, Cheryl married Steven Jenkins. This relationship brought stability and the family life she desired. Together, Cheryl and Steven had three children: Jesse, Taaj, and Brianna Jenkins.
Combined with her son Amir from her relationship with Kareem, Cheryl became a mother of four. Her parenting approach reflects the values her own parents instilled: hard work, loyalty, and respect for others. She maintained a private family life away from media attention.
Cheryl’s ability to blend her family demonstrates maturity and commitment. Amir grew up with relationships with both parents and his half-siblings. This family structure required clear communication and mutual respect between Cheryl and Kareem.
How many children does Cheryl Pistono have?
Cheryl has four children in total. She had one son, Amir Abdul-Jabbar, with Kareem in 1980. After marrying Steven Jenkins, she had three more children: Jesse, Taaj, and Brianna. All four children were raised primarily in Los Angeles, California.
Her current marital status with Steven Jenkins isn’t publicly confirmed. Recent sources suggest they may no longer be together, though Cheryl hasn’t made public statements about her personal life in recent years.
Buddhism and Spiritual Practice
Buddhism has remained central to Cheryl’s life since the 1970s. The practice offered her tools for navigating life’s challenges with grace and wisdom. Principles of mindfulness, compassion, and non-attachment guided her through relationship changes, parenting challenges, and personal growth.
Her Buddhist practice influenced how she approached her relationship with Kareem. Rather than clinging to the relationship when it no longer served both parties, she accepted change with equanimity. This spiritual maturity allowed them to separate while maintaining respect and friendship.
Buddhism also shaped Cheryl’s parenting approach. Teaching her children mindfulness and compassion gave them tools for emotional intelligence. The practice emphasizes present-moment awareness, helping Cheryl stay grounded despite past fame and future uncertainties.
How has Buddhism influenced Cheryl Pistono’s life decisions?
Buddhism provided Cheryl with a framework for making difficult choices. When she separated from Kareem, Buddhist principles helped her prioritize their son’s well-being over personal grievances. The practice’s emphasis on letting go allowed her to move forward without bitterness.
Her spiritual practice also influenced her privacy preference. Buddhism teaches that external validation and fame are impermanent and ultimately unfulfilling. Cheryl’s choice to live quietly reflects this understanding.
Life After the Spotlight
Today, Cheryl Pistono lives in Los Angeles, California, maintaining the privacy she has always valued. At 69 years old, she focuses on family, spiritual practice, and personal well-being. Her life represents a conscious choice to prioritize inner peace over public recognition.
HBO’s series “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” brought renewed attention to Cheryl’s story. Actress Sarah Ramos portrayed her in the show, introducing a new generation to her relationship with Kareem. Despite this renewed interest, Cheryl hasn’t sought media attention.
Her estimated net worth is approximately $400,000 as of recent reports. This modest wealth reflects a life focused on meaning rather than material accumulation. Cheryl’s choices demonstrate that fulfillment comes from relationships, personal growth, and spiritual practice rather than fame or fortune.
Where is Cheryl Pistono now?
Cheryl continues residing in Los Angeles, where she raised her children and built her life. She remains close to her family, including her son Amir, who occasionally appears in public with his father Kareem at Lakers games and events.
Her current activities center on family and community rather than public endeavors. This lifestyle choice aligns with values she has held throughout her adult life: authenticity, privacy, and spiritual depth over superficial recognition.
Key Facts About Cheryl Pistono
Personal Information:
- Born: September 9, 1956
- Birthplace: LaSalle, Illinois
- Current age: 69 years old (as of 2025)
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches
- Current residence: Los Angeles, California
Family:
- Parents: John Joseph Pistono Jr. and Sylvia Ann Waclaw
- Siblings: Kay, John, James, Jeffery
- Children: Amir Abdul-Jabbar, Jesse Jenkins, Taaj Jenkins, Brianna Jenkins
- Ex-partner: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1977-1985)
- Former spouse: Steven Jenkins (married 1985)
Professional Background:
- Education: Nursing
- Career fields: Healthcare, legal offices, accounting
- Current status: Self-employed (specific ventures private)
Notable Aspects:
- Practicing Buddhism since the 1970s
- Influenced Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s personal and professional decisions
- Portrayed by Sarah Ramos in HBO’s “Winning Time”
- Estimated net worth: $400,000
Cheryl Pistono’s Lasting Legacy
Cheryl Pistono’s story offers lessons about maintaining personal identity while connected to fame. She never let her relationship with a celebrity define her completely. Instead, she built her own professional credentials, spiritual practice, and family life.
Her influence on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar extended beyond their romantic relationship. She encouraged him to question, lead, and grow as a person beyond basketball. This impact rippled through his later career as a writer and activist.
Most importantly, Cheryl demonstrated that a meaningful life doesn’t require public recognition. Her choice to live privately while raising her children and pursuing spiritual growth shows alternative definitions of success. In an era obsessed with celebrity and social media visibility, Cheryl’s path offers a refreshing counterpoint.
Her relationship with Kareem, while significant, represents just one chapter in a rich, multifaceted life. Cheryl Pistono’s story is ultimately about a woman who made bold choices, maintained her values, and built a life true to herself rather than others’ expectations.
