Cheryl Pistono is widely recognized as the former partner of basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the mother of their son, Amir Abdul-Jabbar. Born and raised in LaSalle, Illinois, she grew up with traditional Midwestern values that shaped her calm and grounded personality. Unlike many connected to fame, Cheryl chose to live privately, focusing on her family, spirituality, and personal peace rather than public attention.
Her influence on Kareem extended beyond their relationship, as she played a key role in his emotional balance and spiritual growth during his peak years in the NBA. Cheryl’s story is one of quiet strength, grace, and dignity — a reminder that not all impactful lives are lived in the spotlight.
Personal Details
📛 Full Name: Cheryl Pistono
🎂 Date of Birth: September 9, 1956
🎉 Age (as of 2025): 69 Years Old
🏡 Birthplace: LaSalle, Illinois, United States
🌎 Nationality: American
🙏 Religion: Buddhism
🎓 Education: Graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
💼 Profession: Self-Employed, previously worked in nursing, legal, and accounting offices
💖 Famous For: Relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
🏠 Current Residence: Los Angeles, California, United States
💍 Marital Status: Married
👨❤️👨 Husband: Steven Jenkins
👦 Son: Amir Abdul-Jabbar (with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)
👧 Children with Steven Jenkins: Jesse Jenkins, Taaj Jenkins, Brianna Jenkins
📏 Height: 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters)
⚖️ Weight: 65 kilograms (approx.)
💵 Estimated Net Worth: Around $400,000 (as of 2025)
✨ Known Traits: Private, spiritual, kind-hearted, and grounded
Early Life and Family Background
Cheryl Pistono was born on September 9, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, where she grew up in a close-knit Midwestern family that valued honesty, kindness, and hard work. Her upbringing in a small town shaped her calm, grounded, and thoughtful personality, qualities that would later help her handle life in the public eye with grace. Cheryl came from a loving family and spent her early years surrounded by the simple joys of community life.
Although she has kept most details about her parents and siblings private, it’s clear that her early experiences taught her the importance of humility, respect, and staying true to herself — values that have remained central throughout her life.
Age and Birthday
Cheryl Pistono was born on September 9, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, United States. As of 2025, she is 69 years old. Despite her connection to fame through Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Cheryl has always kept her personal life private, gracefully embracing the passing years with wisdom, balance, and the calm confidence that reflects her peaceful lifestyle.
Education and Move to California
After completing her early education in Illinois, Cheryl decided to move to California to pursue higher studies and explore new opportunities. This move marked the beginning of an entirely new chapter in her life. She attended UCLA, where she developed a deeper interest in personal growth, philosophy, and spirituality. It was during these years that Cheryl became fascinated with Buddhism and mindfulness practices that would later become central to her life.
California’s open, diverse culture allowed her to explore her curiosity about people, beliefs, and the world around her. The combination of her Midwestern upbringing and her exposure to the more progressive ideas of California helped Cheryl form a balanced outlook on life — grounded yet open-minded, traditional yet deeply reflective.
Cheryl and Kareem’s Relationship
Cheryl Pistono met Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the late 1970s when he was a star player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Their connection quickly grew into a deep and meaningful relationship built on respect, understanding, and shared spiritual interests. Cheryl played an important role in Kareem’s personal growth, encouraging him to explore mindfulness, peace, and balance beyond the world of basketball.
The couple shared several years together and had a son named Amir Abdul-Jabbar in 1979. Although they never married and eventually separated in the mid-1980s, their bond remained significant, and Cheryl’s influence on Kareem’s emotional and spiritual life continued long after their relationship ended.
About Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, in New York City, is one of the greatest basketball players in history. Standing 7 feet 2 inches tall, he played 20 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, winning six NBA championships and earning six MVP awards. Known for his unstoppable “skyhook” shot, Kareem became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a record that stood for decades.
Beyond basketball, he is a respected author, activist, and speaker, admired for his intelligence and dedication to education, social justice, and cultural awareness. His impact goes far beyond sports, making him a true icon both on and off the court.
Cheryl’s Marriage to Steven Jenkins
After her relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ended, Cheryl Pistono later married Steven Jenkins, a man who, like her, preferred a private and peaceful life away from the spotlight. Together, they built a stable and loving home in Los Angeles, California. Their marriage has been marked by mutual respect, understanding, and shared family values.
Cheryl and Steven have three children — Jesse, Taaj, and Brianna Jenkins — and have focused on raising them with the same kindness, mindfulness, and balance that define Cheryl’s approach to life. Despite her past connection to fame, Cheryl has always chosen to live quietly with her husband and children, valuing family and simplicity above public attention.
Motherhood and Family Life
In 1979, Cheryl and Kareem welcomed their son, Amir Abdul-Jabbar. Motherhood became Cheryl’s greatest priority, and she devoted herself to raising Amir with love, care, and the same grounded values that had shaped her own life. Raising a child while being connected to a famous athlete came with unique challenges, especially as Kareem’s basketball career required constant travel and public commitments. Cheryl handled these challenges with grace, ensuring Amir’s life remained stable and filled with warmth.
Even after she and Kareem separated, they continued to co-parent Amir respectfully, keeping their personal disagreements away from public attention. Cheryl’s focus on providing her son with a normal, loving environment speaks volumes about her strength and commitment as a mother.
Life After Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
After her relationship with Kareem ended in the mid-1980s, Cheryl chose to build her own path in life. She later married Steven Jenkins, with whom she had three more children — Jesse, Taaj, and Brianna. Together, they built a family-centered life in Los Angeles, where Cheryl focused on raising her children and continuing her spiritual and personal journey.
She worked in various fields, including nursing, legal, and accounting offices, showing her versatility and dedication to hard work. Despite her connection to one of the most famous athletes in history, Cheryl never used that link for attention or financial gain. Instead, she preferred a quiet and independent life, finding happiness in her family, work, and spiritual practices.
Spirituality and Personal Beliefs
Cheryl Pistono’s life has always been guided by her spirituality. She practices Buddhism and has often emphasized mindfulness, compassion, and balance in her everyday life. Her belief system shaped how she faced challenges and how she interacted with the people around her. Those who have met her describe her as a calm, kind, and deeply reflective woman who lives according to her values rather than trends or public expectations.
Her influence extended even to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who has often spoken about his interest in Eastern philosophies and personal growth — beliefs that were strengthened during his time with Cheryl. She was not just a partner in his personal life but also a quiet teacher, helping him see the importance of peace, discipline, and self-awareness beyond fame.
Media Attention and Privacy
Even though Cheryl was once closely linked to one of the most public figures in sports, she has always guarded her privacy carefully. In 1987, her name appeared in the Los Angeles Times due to legal matters involving financial and family discussions with Kareem, but she never used the opportunity for publicity or interviews. Instead, she maintained silence and dignity, allowing the media attention to fade naturally.
Her refusal to engage with gossip or public speculation has earned her respect as someone who values personal boundaries. In a time when many people connected to celebrities use their stories for fame, Cheryl’s decision to remain private shows her strength and self-respect. She chose peace over popularity, and that decision continues to define her legacy.
Portrayal in Popular Culture
In 2022, Cheryl Pistono was portrayed by actress Sarah Ramos in the HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. The show explored the personal and professional lives of the Los Angeles Lakers during their dominant run in the 1980s. Cheryl’s inclusion in the series brought her story back into public conversation, especially for younger audiences who were unfamiliar with her name. While the show dramatized certain events for entertainment, it acknowledged Cheryl’s presence in Kareem’s life during a significant time in his career.
Her portrayal reminded viewers that behind great athletes are often people who provide emotional balance, encouragement, and understanding — even if their contributions happen quietly and away from cameras.
Cheryl’s Life Today
Today, Cheryl Pistono lives a quiet and peaceful life in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by her family and close friends. She continues to follow her Buddhist beliefs, focusing on mindfulness, kindness, and personal growth. Cheryl is self-employed and enjoys her independence, choosing a simple and balanced lifestyle away from the public eye. Her children are now grown, and she spends much of her time with them, living with the same calmness and dignity that has always defined her. Even though she once shared her life with one of the most famous athletes in the world, Cheryl has remained true to herself — valuing peace, family, and privacy above all else.
Cheryl Pistono Net Worth
Cheryl Pistono has an estimated net worth of around $400,000. This figure reflects her years of professional work and careful management of her finances. Though not wealthy in the celebrity sense, she has lived comfortably and responsibly, preferring a modest and peaceful lifestyle. Her financial stability comes from her own hard work rather than her past relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Cheryl’s Lasting Legacy
Cheryl Pistono’s legacy is one of quiet strength, wisdom, and grace. She is remembered not just as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s former partner but as a woman who lived her life with purpose and dignity. Her influence helped shape Kareem’s spiritual and emotional growth during a key period in his life, and her role as a loving mother to her children shows her deep commitment to family and values. Cheryl’s decision to stay out of the spotlight while maintaining peace, independence, and kindness has earned her quiet respect. Her story reminds people that true impact doesn’t always come from fame — sometimes it comes from living honestly, humbly, and with a compassionate heart.
Conclusion
Cheryl Pistono’s life is a beautiful example of strength, independence, and grace. Though she is best known for her relationship with basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, her story goes far beyond that connection. She has lived a life built on family, spirituality, and self-respect, choosing peace and privacy over fame. Her influence on Kareem’s personal journey, her dedication as a mother, and her calm approach to life have all left a lasting impression. Cheryl’s story reminds us that true success is not about being seen but about living with honesty, balance, and heart.
