Cheryl Pistono may not be a household name, but her life is a powerful story of independence, influence, and personal evolution. Best known for her past relationship with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, she has built a life grounded in spirituality, resilience, and dedication to family. Her journey from small-town Illinois to the cultural heart of Los Angeles reflects a deep commitment to personal truth, growth, and compassion.
Early Life in Illinois: Roots of Independence
Cheryl Pistono was born on September 6, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, into a large, working-class family. Her parents, John Joseph Pistono Jr. and Sylvia Ann Waclaw, instilled in their five children strong values centered around hard work, loyalty, and integrity. Life in LaSalle was grounded in simplicity and community, but Cheryl always felt the pull of a bigger world.
By the age of 16, she made a life-changing decision to leave her childhood home and relocate to California. This bold move was more than just teenage rebellion—it was a determined step toward self-discovery. From that point on, Cheryl’s path would be shaped not by expectations, but by personal choice and purpose.
New Beginnings in California
Arriving in California as a teenager, Cheryl adapted quickly to the fast pace and diversity of the West Coast. She attended UCLA, where she found herself drawn to spirituality and intellectual exploration. It was during this time that she began practicing Buddhism, a philosophy that would become central to her identity.
Her spiritual beliefs weren’t surface-level interests; they deeply shaped her view of the world and influenced her decisions in both personal and professional realms. This dedication to mindfulness and compassion became one of the most defining aspects of her life and later played a significant role in the evolution of her most high-profile relationship.
A Deep Connection with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
In the late 1970s, Cheryl Pistono met Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest basketball players in history, during the peak of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Their connection was not defined by glitz or glamour, but by shared curiosity, especially in Eastern philosophy. Cheryl’s passion for Buddhism had a transformative effect on Kareem’s spiritual journey.
Their relationship, which lasted for seven years, was intimate, intellectually rich, and deeply respectful. Cheryl became more than a partner—she was a spiritual anchor for Kareem. Her presence helped him navigate the pressures of fame, explore his inner world, and develop a more balanced outlook on life. In Kareem’s later reflections and activism, the imprint of Cheryl’s influence is unmistakable.
In 1980, the couple welcomed their son, Amir Abdul-Jabbar. Though they never married and eventually separated in 1985, their co-parenting approach remained thoughtful and private. Cheryl always placed Amir’s well-being above public attention, shaping a family dynamic based on respect and stability.
Life After Kareem: Family, Career, and Privacy
Following her split from Kareem, Cheryl Pistono eventually found lasting love with Steven Jenkins, whom she later married. The couple settled in Los Angeles and raised three children together: Jesse, Taaj, and Brianna Jenkins. Her home life has remained largely out of the public eye, reflecting Cheryl’s long-standing preference for privacy and calm.
Professionally, Cheryl explored multiple career paths, guided by her values and interest in service. She continued her education in nursing, a field that aligned with her compassionate nature. She also gained experience working in law and accounting offices, showing flexibility and a strong work ethic.
Eventually, Cheryl chose self-employment, a decision that gave her autonomy and allowed her to maintain alignment with her spiritual principles. Her career journey reflects a quiet ambition, one that favors depth and fulfillment over fame or status. As of 2023, her estimated net worth stands at around $400,000, built through steady work and a lifestyle focused on family and inner peace.
Legacy of Influence and Inner Strength
Cheryl Pistono’s lasting impact goes beyond her relationships and career. Her unwavering commitment to Buddhism and personal growth helped shape not only her own life but also left a mark on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s public and private persona. Her encouragement played a key role in his exploration of spiritual balance and deeper self-understanding.
This influence is not just anecdotal. Kareem has often spoken about his journey toward introspection and mindfulness, values that Cheryl lived and passed on during their years together. Her role in that transformation, though mostly uncredited publicly, remains an essential part of her legacy.
In 2022, Cheryl was portrayed by actress Sarah Ramos in the HBO series “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.” The show briefly spotlighted her relationship with Kareem, offering a glimpse of her influence to a broader audience. Still, even with this renewed attention, Cheryl has chosen not to step into the spotlight, continuing to live quietly, focused on family and inner peace.
A Life Lived with Purpose
Now 68 years old, Cheryl Pistono’s story is one of courage, clarity, and quiet strength. From her early decision to leave home at 16, to her spiritual exploration and role in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s life, to raising a family in private devotion—her life is a reminder that impact isn’t always loud. Sometimes, the strongest voices are those that lead with grace, depth, and humility.
Cheryl has never sought fame, and perhaps that’s why her story resonates even more. She represents the power of choosing one’s path, embracing growth, and valuing peace over popularity. In a world of noise, Cheryl Pistono has lived a life that speaks through action, compassion, and intention.