Cheryl Pistono, born on September 6, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, is best remembered for her relationship with basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but her life story is much richer than that single chapter. She grew up in a working-class family, showing strength and independence from a young age, and at just sixteen, she left home to start a new life on the West Coast.
Over the years, she became a mother, a wife, and a professional who worked in nursing, legal, and accounting roles, all while staying true to her Buddhist beliefs that shaped her calm and thoughtful outlook. Today, Cheryl is admired for her resilience, her devotion to family, and the way she built a meaningful life centered on love, spirituality, and independence away from the spotlight.
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheryl Pistono Jenkins |
| Birth Date | September 9, 1956 |
| Birthplace | LaSalle, Illinois, USA |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) |
| Weight | 65 kg |
| Age | 66 (as of 2023) |
| Parents | John Joseph Pistono Jr. and Sylvia Ann Waclaw |
| Siblings | John Pistino, James Pistino, Jeffery Pistino, Kay Boehm |
| Ex-Boyfriend | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| Husband | Steven Jenkins |
| Children | Amir Abdul-Jabbar, Jesse Jenkins, Taaj Jenkins, Brianna Jenkins |
| Net Worth | $400,000 (as of 2023) |
| Education | Continued education in nursing, specific institutions not detailed |
| Career | Nursing, legal, and accounting office roles |
| Social Media | Instagram (@majordomo33 and @pistonochery) |
Early Life and Background
Cheryl Pistono was born on September 6, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, a small working-class town where she spent her childhood surrounded by family and a close-knit community. She grew up with traditional values of hard work and resilience, which later shaped her independent nature. Even though her upbringing was modest, she showed signs of determination and individuality from an early age, qualities that would define her later choices in life. At just 16 years old, she made the bold decision to leave her family home and move to the West Coast in search of freedom, opportunity, and personal growth. This step marked the beginning of her lifelong journey of independence and self-discovery.
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Physical Appearance and Personality
Cheryl Pistono is a woman of graceful presence, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 65 kilograms, with brown hair and black eyes that highlight her calm and thoughtful nature. She is often described as serene and composed, qualities that reflect her deep spiritual beliefs and her lifelong practice of Buddhism. Rather than relying on glamour or attention, Cheryl’s personality shines through her authenticity, independence, and compassion, leaving an impression of quiet strength and dignity on those who know her.
Cheryl and Kareem’s Love Story
Cheryl Pistono and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s love story began in 1977, when Kareem was already a well-known NBA star. Their relationship stood out because it was built not only on attraction but also on shared values, especially their interest in Buddhism and personal growth. Together they spent almost seven years as partners, and in 1980 they welcomed their son, Amir Abdul-Jabbar, which became one of the happiest moments of their time together. Although their relationship ended in 1985, they parted with respect and care, choosing to focus on raising their son and keeping a positive connection. Cheryl’s influence on Kareem during those years left a lasting impact on his life, both spiritually and personally.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and His Legacy
To understand Cheryl Pistono’s story, it is also important to look at who Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is and the role she played in his life. Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. in 1947, Kareem grew into one of the greatest basketball players of all time, standing at 7 feet 2 inches and revolutionizing the game with his unstoppable skyhook shot. Over the course of two decades in the NBA, he amassed 38,387 career points, won six championships, and became a six-time MVP. But beyond his sporting achievements, Kareem has also been a powerful voice for social justice, education, and cultural awareness.
Many who knew him during his peak years noted how Cheryl influenced his personal outlook, helping him explore Eastern philosophies and grounding him in a spiritual way that carried through his career and into his post-basketball life.
Life After Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
After her relationship with Kareem ended, Cheryl chose to move forward in life with dignity and independence. She later married Steven Jenkins, a man whose private and grounded nature provided a stark contrast to the high-profile life she once shared with Kareem. With Steven, Cheryl built a life centered around stability, love, and family. Together, they had three children—Jesse, Taaj, and Brianna Jenkins—and embraced a quieter lifestyle in Los Angeles, far away from the glare of cameras and constant media attention. Her new chapter as a wife and mother was marked by devotion, strength, and a focus on nurturing her children while maintaining the personal independence she had always valued.
Family and Children
Family has always been at the heart of Cheryl Pistono’s life. She has four children: Amir Abdul-Jabbar, her son with Kareem, and three children—Jesse, Taaj, and Brianna—with her husband Steven Jenkins. Despite the complexities of having children from different relationships, Cheryl created a home where love and stability were priorities. Raising a blended family requires patience, wisdom, and resilience, all of which Cheryl embraced wholeheartedly. Her role as a mother has been central to her life, and those close to her say that she dedicated herself fully to ensuring that her children grew up surrounded by values of compassion, respect, and mindfulness.
Career and Professional Path
While Cheryl Pistono’s name is often tied to her relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, her career path shows a woman with ambition and adaptability. After her separation from Kareem, she pursued further education in nursing, demonstrating her desire to contribute to healthcare and community well-being. In addition to nursing, she also worked in law and accounting offices, showing her ability to thrive in diverse professional settings. Later in life, Cheryl moved toward self-employment, allowing her to balance her career with family responsibilities. Her varied career reflects not only her versatility but also her determination to remain independent and capable, no matter the circumstances.
Spirituality and Beliefs
Perhaps one of the most defining aspects of Cheryl Pistono’s life has been her deep commitment to Buddhism. Her embrace of mindfulness, compassion, and peace has guided her decisions and helped her find balance throughout the different phases of her life. This spiritual grounding was also something she shared with Kareem during their years together, influencing his own exploration of Eastern philosophies. For Cheryl, Buddhism has never been about public identity but rather a personal path toward living authentically and meaningfully. It has been the anchor that supported her through challenges, transitions, and the responsibilities of motherhood and family life.
Overcoming Challenges
Cheryl’s life has not been without obstacles, but her resilience has defined the way she faced them. Leaving home at 16 to pursue a new life on the West Coast was an early challenge that required strength and courage. Later, living in the public eye during her relationship with Kareem came with its own difficulties, as privacy was often hard to maintain. After their separation, she once again had to find her footing, building a family with Steven Jenkins and creating stability for her children. Each of these challenges tested her character, but she overcame them with grace, guided by her strong values and spiritual beliefs.
Media Portrayal and Public Perception
Although Cheryl has largely avoided the spotlight, her name has resurfaced occasionally, most notably through her portrayal in HBO’s 2022 series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. Actress Sarah Ramos played Cheryl in the dramatized retelling of the Lakers’ history, which introduced her story to a new generation of viewers. While such portrayals often take creative liberties, they highlight the significant role Cheryl played in Kareem’s life during his most influential years. Despite the media attention, Cheryl herself has chosen to remain private, preferring a life away from constant public attention.
Net Worth and Present Life
As of 2023, Cheryl Pistono’s net worth is estimated at around $400,000, reflecting her professional work in nursing, law, and accounting, along with her personal investments. Today, she resides in Los Angeles, California, where she continues to live quietly with her family. Her life is centered on her children, her spiritual practices, and her pursuit of peace and balance. Financial gain and fame have never been her goals; instead, she has focused on building a life filled with meaning, love, and authenticity.
Legacy and Influence
Cheryl Pistono’s story is not one of celebrity or fame but of quiet influence and personal strength. Her impact on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s life is undeniable, as she encouraged him to grow spiritually and intellectually during the height of his career. Beyond her influence on Kareem, Cheryl’s legacy is also reflected in her family, her children, and the values she passed on to them. She is remembered not as someone who lived for recognition but as someone who lived genuinely, overcoming challenges and choosing a path of independence and mindfulness.
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Conclusion
In the end, Cheryl Pistono’s life story is one of courage, resilience, and quiet strength. From her small-town beginnings in LaSalle, Illinois, to her relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and later her private life with Steven Jenkins and their children, Cheryl has lived with purpose and authenticity. Her journey shows us that influence does not always come with fame and that living by one’s values can create a legacy that is deeply meaningful. Today, she remains a woman of grace and substance, whose story continues to inspire quietly, far from the spotlight but close to those who know her best.
FAQs About Cheryl Pistono
Who is Cheryl Pistono?
Cheryl Pistono is best known as the former partner of NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the mother of his son, Amir. She is also a wife, mother of four, and a follower of Buddhism.
When was Cheryl Pistono born?
Cheryl Pistono was born on September 6, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, United States.
Did Cheryl Pistono and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have children?
Yes, Cheryl and Kareem have one son together, Amir Abdul-Jabbar, who was born in 1980.
Is Cheryl Pistono married now?
Yes, Cheryl Pistono later married Steven Jenkins, and together they have three children named Jesse, Taaj, and Brianna.
What is Cheryl Pistono doing today?
Cheryl lives a private life in Los Angeles, California, where she focuses on her family, personal well-being, and spiritual practices.
What religion does Cheryl Pistono follow?
Cheryl Pistono practices Buddhism, which has guided her values of mindfulness, compassion, and peace throughout her life.
What is Cheryl Pistono’s net worth?
As of 2023, Cheryl Pistono’s net worth is estimated at around $400,000, based on her career and personal investments.
Was Cheryl Pistono portrayed in a TV series?
Yes, Cheryl was portrayed by actress Sarah Ramos in the 2022 HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.
