Cher Opens Up About Her Marriage to Sonny Bono

In a candid revelation, music icon Cher opens up about the darker sides of her marriage to Sonny Bono, shedding new light on the tumultuous relationship that lasted from 1964 until their divorce in 1975. Her forthcoming memoir, "Cher: The Memoir," set to release on Tuesday, promises to delve deeper into the personal struggles she faced during a partnership that was not only professional but also deeply burdened with control and deceit.

Cher's Reflections and Revelations

The 78-year-old superstar, known for her powerhouse vocals and influential presence in the entertainment industry, shared her experience in a recent interview with the New York Times. Cher’s reflections reveal that she believed in an equal partnership, thinking, “We’re husband and wife. Half the things are his, half the things are mine.” Little did she know, Sonny had a different plan. He established a company called Cher Enterprises, of which he controlled a staggering 95%, leaving only 5% for his attorney. Cher commented, “He took all my money,” emphasizing the pain of her loss and betrayal.

A Partnership of Hits and Heartache

Together, Cher and Bono created some of the 60s and 70s most memorable hits, including "The Beat Goes On," and starred in the wildly popular "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour" on CBS. However, Cher still grapples with the emotional scars of their union nearly three decades following Bono’s death in 1998. She lamented, “To this day, I wish I could just ask him, ‘At what point did you decide to take my money?’”

Control and Jealousy in the Relationship

The couple's relationship was further marred by Bono's transformation under the pressures of fame. Cher described a growing shift towards dominance in their dynamic, encapsulated by the phrase “my way or the highway.” Strikingly, Bono not only isolated Cher from friends and socializing opportunities but even went so far as to incinerate her tennis clothes in a fit of jealousy.

Infidelity and Breaking Point

Infidelity was another corrosive factor in their marriage, with Bono’s cheating habits being justified by him as a reaction to Cher's actions. Eventually, Cher reached a breaking point, recounting, “I woke up one morning, thought, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore. I’m going to leave him.’” This culminated in a daring move where she confessed to wanting to be intimate with their guitarist—a wish she ultimately fulfilled.

Cher's Early Days with Bono

Cher’s journey with Bono began when she was just 16, meeting the 27-year-old Bono in a coffee shop. After deceptively claiming she was older, she moved in with him, ostensibly in exchange for household duties. Reflecting on this period, Cher writes in her memoir, “I must have had a look on my face because he laughed and said, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got twin beds. And honestly, I don’t find you particularly attractive.’”

Acknowledgment of Complicated Dynamics

Despite the tumultuous history, Cher recognizes that this was not a typical #MeToo moment, acknowledging her role in the dynamics that played out. However, she firmly states, “I’m not forgiving him because there were some things he did that were ridiculous.”

Looking Forward: Cher's Memoir and Continued Resilience

As Cher’s memoir prepares to hit the shelves, fans and critics alike are eager to hear more about the life and trials of this legendary figure—who, despite her struggles, continues to thrive as an enduring icon of resilience and strength in the entertainment world. With a follow-up volume already in the works, Cher may still have plenty more truths to unveil about her extraordinary life and the lessons learned along the way.