Cher fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of the pop icon's memoir, and the wait is over, as Cher: The Memoir — Part One hit the shelves on November 19, 2023. Cher, now 78, did not hold back, sharing juicy stories about her life and relationships with notable figures like Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Gene Simmons, and Tina Turner.
Delving right in, Cher reflects on her marriages, including her tumultuous relationship with Sonny Bono, her first husband. Cher and Bono famously ended their marriage in 1975, but what was little known until now is how quickly she moved on to marry Gregg Allman. The couple wed just four days after Cher finalized her divorce from Bono. Unfortunately, their relationship was tumultuous as well, marked by Allman's struggles with substance abuse.
“Whatever he is now, it’s not safe for kids,” Cher recalls of the moment she filed for divorce just nine days after their wedding due to Allman’s paranoid breakdown. This candid admission gives readers insight not only to her life but the realities many face when dealing with addiction.
Despite their challenges, Cher and Allman did reconcile briefly after his stint in rehab, but her memoir reveals the final straw came after another serious incident. Cher ended the relationship sarcastically humorous yet decidedly serious with the unforgettable line from her former father-in-law: “So what are you waiting for?” This pivotal moment shines light on Cher's resilience and desire for stability.
Beyond her marriages, the memoir is filled with entertaining anecdotes about Cher's escapades with iconic celebrities. Cher’s childhood introduced her to the likes of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli. One memorable moment Cher shares was when she met Liza as children – “She was, and her mother sent her outside to join the party.” It’s humorous imagery like this, along with Liza bursting out singing, which makes Cher's stories so captivating.
Warren Beatty, the man who stole Cher's attention on the road, is yet another name-drop. She describes how they met during her teenage years amid rising fame. “He showed me inside, fixed us some cheese and crackers, then leaned in and kissed me,” she writes, painting a vivid picture of youthful innocence mixed with Hollywood glam.
Another notable encounter was with the legendary Lucille Ball who provided Cher with much-needed advice as she faced her turbulent marriage to Bono. “F--- him, you’re the one with the talent,” Ball advised, demonstrating the empowering conversations Cher had with her idol.
Cher’s memoir also revisits her relationships with fellow musicians and bands, including her friendly bond with Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. Cher humorously recalls how, using her undiagnosed dyslexia, she fashioned Brian a bracelet meant to say 'I Love You, Brian', which ended up as 'Brain.'
Among her stories is her time spent with The Rolling Stones. Cher looked back on meeting the famous band, particularly captivated by Brian Jones: “He was so beautiful,” she reminisces, pulling readers back to the vibrant music scene of the 1960s.
Not all of her celebrity encounters were romantic or high-pressure. Cher recounts light moments with her Beatles friends during one of their nights out, laughing as she quipped, “If someone set off a bomb it would have been the end of music.” It serves as yet another reminder of the charm and humor sprinkled throughout the memoir.
Even her friendship with the late Tina Turner is highlighted, culminating with Cher offering Turner advice on escaping her former husband, Ike Turner. “I just walked out and kept going,” Cher recalled, providing inspiration not only for Turner but for readers everywhere.
Look out for revelations about relationships with major industry figures like David Geffen, whom she dated after divorcing Bono. Cher shares the realization of being shackled to her contract with Bono as “involuntary servitude.” Despite discussing marriage at one point, Cher wrote, “I wasn’t sure I was ready so soon on the heels of divorcing Sonny” — reflecting not just on her romantic experiences but also on her personal growth through her career.
Fashion also plays a role, as Cher showcases her relationship with designer Bob Mackie, who she met during one of her fittings. They remain friends to this day, highlighting the long-lasting impacts of her early relationships.
The memoir offers readers both humorous inside stories of celebrity life and poignant reflections on Cher's personal struggles. Cher may have just begun her memoir saga with Part One, but she concludes this volume with strong hope for the future, echoing the sentiment from Coppola about perseverance and the courage to pursue one’s dreams.
