Cher, the iconic singer and actress, has opened up about the complexities of her first marriage to Sonny Bono in her forthcoming self-titled memoir. The book sheds light on the emotional toll of their relationship, Bono’s infidelity, and the controlling nature of their marriage, alongside Cher’s personal struggles, including a night when she contemplated ending her life.
Marriage and Loneliness
Cher and Sonny Bono’s relationship began as a whirlwind romance, culminating in an impulsive wedding. However, the dynamic of their marriage began to shift drastically over time. Bono’s controlling behavior and infidelity strained their bond, leaving Cher feeling isolated and emotionally drained.
In her memoir, the Grammy-winning artist recalled a particularly dark night in 1972, when loneliness became overwhelming.
“There I was, twenty-six years old and in what had become a loveless marriage,” Cher wrote. “Sonny had given me the vehicle and the confidence to become the somebody my mother always told me I would be, and then he just lost interest.”
She described stepping barefoot onto the balcony of their suite, feeling numb and engulfed by solitude.
“I was dizzy with loneliness. I saw how easy it would be to step over the edge and simply disappear,” Cher shared.
However, thoughts of her mother, sister, and those who looked up to her ultimately pulled her back from the brink.
Professional Success Amid Personal Struggles
Despite the turmoil in her personal life, Cher’s career flourished. By the time her marriage to Bono began to unravel, she was already making her mark as a solo music artist and actor. Cher went on to star in acclaimed films such as Moonstruck, Silkwood, and The Witches of Eastwick, earning both critical and commercial acclaim.
The couple’s separation began in 1974, with their divorce finalized in 1975. Only four days after the divorce, Cher married rock musician Gregg Allman, marking the start of a new chapter in her personal life.
A Complicated Yet Enduring Bond
Despite their separation, Cher and Bono maintained a professional relationship. They reunited for The Sonny and Cher Show, continuing their television legacy even as they led separate personal lives. The two reportedly remained friends until Bono’s untimely death in 1998. Cher honored their bond by delivering a heartfelt eulogy at his funeral, at the request of his fourth wife, Mary.
Cher’s Resilience and Legacy
Cher’s revelations in her memoir highlight her resilience and the strength she found to overcome personal adversities. The book provides fans and readers an intimate glimpse into her life, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved.
For more updates on entertainment, stay tuned to Vviptimes.