How do you build a family rooted in unconditional love? How can adoption transform not just children’s lives—but entire families?
In Unscripted, Ernie Johnson Jr. shares the touching journey of his family, from meeting his wife Cheryl at a drive-up window to adopting four children from different parts of the world. His story weaves together the impact of his father’s guidance and the joy of watching his children grow into their own families.
Keep reading to explore how Ernie Johnson’s family became a testament to the power of love, commitment, and embracing life’s unexpected moments.
Image credit: Georgia Sports Hall of Fame via Wikimedia Commons (License)
Ernie Johnson’s Family
Ernie Johnson Jr.’s story is one deeply rooted in family and love. His narrative begins with a charming encounter with his future wife Cheryl, who caught his attention while working at a bank’s drive-up window in Macon, Georgia, where she was also studying at Mercer University. Her quick wit, authenticity, and strong work ethic drew him in immediately, and their relationship blossomed into marriage in 1982. We’ll explore the relationships in Ernie Johnson’s family—particularly those with his wife, children, and father.
Johnson’s Children
Cheryl’s dedication to helping others, initially demonstrated through her involvement in youth mentorship, would later inspire the couple’s journey into adoption. In 1991, they traveled to Romania with the intention of adopting a baby girl. Instead, they found themselves drawn to a three-year-old boy named Michael, who had not yet learned to walk or talk. Despite the challenges ahead, they knew he was meant to be part of their family.
Their family continued to grow as they welcomed Carmen from Paraguay in 1993, and later, in 2011, twin sisters Allison and Ashley from the foster care system. Throughout his account, Johnson candidly discusses both the challenges and joys of their adoption experiences, sharing the profound impact these decisions had on their lives.
(Shortform note: The international adoption landscape of the late 1980s and early 1990s was particularly complex, especially in countries such as Romania and Paraguay. Romania’s orphan crisis, stemming from Nicolae Ceausescu’s policies that encouraged large families while restricting birth control, led to numerous children being placed in orphanages. The post-Communist era brought challenging legal and bureaucratic processes for international adoptions from Romania. Similarly, Paraguay became a common source for international adoptions due to its economic challenges and social issues. For parents pursuing international adoption, the experience often resulted in significant personal growth, developing greater empathy and understanding of global social issues while balancing work, education, and family responsibilities.)
Johnson’s narrative extends beyond his immediate family to include touching tributes to his father, whose lessons and unwavering support deeply influenced his life. He also shares emotional reflections on his children’s weddings and their transitions into parenthood. While acknowledging the difficulties they’ve faced, including Michael’s battle with a life-threatening disease, Johnson’s story remains a testament to the transformative power of family love and commitment.
Johnson finds profound joy in witnessing his children’s major life milestones, especially their weddings, as he watches his family expand into new generations. He fondly remembers walking his daughter Maggie down the aisle, and watching his son Eric exchange vows with Quynh Truong in a ceremony that beautifully merged American and Vietnamese traditions. The journey of raising his family, despite its challenges and complexities, has brought him deep satisfaction.
These precious moments serve as powerful reminders of the enduring strength of family bonds. He treasures every opportunity to celebrate important milestones with his children and their partners, sharing in their accomplishments and warmly embracing new members into the Johnson family. For Johnson, there’s deep fulfillment in watching his children mature and establish their own families, creating the next chapter of their family’s story.
(Shortform note: As children establish their own families, parents often experience a significant shift in their roles, transitioning from primary caregivers to supportive figures. Welcoming new family members, such as in-laws and grandchildren, introduces new dynamics that can foster a sense of unity and shared purpose. For many parents, seeing their children reach these important life stages validates their efforts and sacrifices, providing a sense of fulfillment while ensuring their values, beliefs, and family history are carried forward. These evolving family dynamics significantly impact personal growth, self-esteem, and the development of interpersonal skills for all family members involved.)
Johnson’s Relationship With His Father
Ernie Johnson Sr.’s influence on his son went far beyond baseball. Through his father’s example, Ernie Jr. learned the fundamental values of hard work, excellence, and honesty—principles that would guide both his personal life and professional career. By observing how his father carefully prepared for sports broadcasts and interacted sincerely with fans, Ernie Jr. absorbed essential lessons about humility, courtesy, and authenticity.
Ernie Sr. taught his son the crucial importance of maintaining integrity and choosing the moral high ground when facing criticism. This paternal guidance helped shape Ernie Jr.’s approach to challenges throughout his career, as he consistently met obstacles with empathy and understanding. To this day, Ernie Jr. finds deep inspiration in his father, who represents the perfect blend of talent, dedication, and integrity.
(Shortform note: Ernie Johnson Sr. was a renowned sports broadcaster, particularly known for his work in baseball, whose reputation for excellence in the field set a high standard for professionalism and integrity in sports journalism. His interactions with fans and colleagues demonstrated the importance of empathy, a trait that Ernie Jr. adopted in his approach to both personal and professional challenges. Sports broadcasters often serve as a bridge between the game and the audience, requiring them to engage with fans and convey the excitement and nuances of the sport. This role demands not only a deep understanding of the game but also the ability to connect with people on a personal level.)
