From Sonny Bono to Alexander Edwards: Cher's Enduring Journey Through Love and Stardom

Cher, the iconic singer, actress, and cultural phenomenon, has captivated audiences for decades not only with her unparalleled talent but also with a vibrant and often unconventional romantic life. Her relationships, frequently in the public eye, have spanned decades and crossed paths with fellow celebrities, musicians, and even those outside the entertainment industry, painting a picture of a woman who lives and loves on her own terms.

One of Cher's most defining relationships began in 1962 when she met Salvatore "Sonny" Bono. He was 11 years her senior and working for record producer Phil Spector. Their professional partnership as Sonny & Cher quickly blossomed into a romantic one, leading to their marriage in 1964. Together, they rose to superstardom with hits like "I Got You Babe" and their popular TV show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. Their union produced their only child, Chastity Sun Bono, now known as Chaz Bono. Despite their public image as a loving couple, their marriage was reportedly tumultuous behind the scenes, marked by Sonny's alleged control and Cher's growing desire for independence. They officially divorced in 1975, a highly publicized split that marked the end of an era.

Immediately following her divorce from Sonny, Cher embarked on a brief but intense relationship with music mogul David Geffen in 1975. Their romance was short-lived but significant, as Geffen reportedly helped Cher navigate the complexities of her divorce and career. Cher described him as a great friend and a supportive figure during a challenging time in her life.

Just days after her divorce from Sonny was finalized, Cher married rock star Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers Band in June 1975. Their marriage was famously turbulent from the start, with Cher filing for divorce just nine days after their wedding due to Allman's struggles with substance abuse. Despite the initial separation, they reconciled, and their son, Elijah Blue Allman, was born in 1976. Their on-again, off-again relationship continued for a few more years, marked by public arguments and reconciliations, before they ultimately divorced in 1979. Cher later reflected on Allman as a true love, despite the difficulties.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Cher had an on-again, off-again relationship with KISS frontman Gene Simmons. Their romance was widely reported, and Cher famously described their arrangement as an open relationship. She spoke fondly of Simmons, highlighting his kindness and intelligence, even after their romantic involvement ended.

During the 1980s, as Cher transitioned more prominently into her acting career, her dating life continued to make headlines. She briefly dated guitarist Les Dudek and actor Val Kilmer in the mid-1980s. Her relationship with Kilmer, though not long-lasting, was noted for their intense connection, with Cher describing him as a passionate and "wild" individual.

Perhaps one of her most surprising and talked-about relationships of the 1980s was with a then-up-and-coming actor, Tom Cruise. They dated in 1985, before Cruise became the global superstar he is today. Cher later revealed that he was one of her "top five" lovers, praising his charm and intelligence. Their romance remained relatively private at the time but garnered significant attention years later when Cher spoke openly about it.

A particularly significant relationship for Cher in the late 1980s was with Rob Camilletti, a bagel baker 18 years her junior. They met in 1986 and dated for approximately three years. Their romance was often scrutinized by the media due to their age difference and Camilletti's non-celebrity status, but Cher fiercely defended their love, stating that he was one of the most honest and loving partners she had. Their relationship demonstrated Cher's willingness to defy societal expectations in her pursuit of happiness.

In the 1990s, Cher was briefly linked to Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora. Their relationship was short-lived but further highlighted Cher's continued appeal and her connection to the music world.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Cher's romantic life continued to be a topic of interest, though often more private. She had an on-again, off-again relationship with biker and Hell's Angels member Tim Medvetz for several years. Their connection was reportedly deep, and Medvetz was seen as a grounding presence in her life, though their romance ultimately did not lead to marriage.

Most recently, in late 2022, Cher's relationship with music executive Alexander "AE" Edwards became public, once again sparking considerable media attention due to their 40-year age difference. The couple has been seen together at numerous high-profile events, including Paris Fashion Week and the Grammys, and they frequently share affectionate moments on social media. Cher has openly expressed her happiness with Edwards, stating that he treats her like a queen and that their age gap is irrelevant to their connection. > "On paper, it’s kind of ridiculous," Cher told People magazine, "But in real life, we get along great." As of late 2023 and early 2024, their relationship appears strong and continues to be a prominent part of Cher's public life, showcasing her enduring spirit and her belief in love at any age. Her romantic journey, marked by passion, independence, and a refusal to conform, remains as captivating as her legendary career.