The well-known singer Cher has been open and honest about her parenting experiences, including the difficulties she had while bringing up her son when he underwent a gender change. The famous musician who created “If I Could Turn Back Time” highlighted the challenges she had while she handled her son Chaz’s transition.
Cher remarked on her early struggle in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, saying, “When Chaz underwent the transition, that presented a significant challenge for me.” Cher added that looking back, it shouldn’t have been that difficult given her extensive network of gay acquaintances. The transgender population has gained Cher’s newfound respect, and she expressed this by saying, “I’ve since met some incredible trans individuals, and we share a deep connection. I am now completely at ease with it.”
The 77-year-old music legend went on to explain the unique challenges she faced during Chaz’s transition, saying, “It’s tough to say goodbye to one child and welcome a new one, especially at this stage in life. I believe that was the most challenging part for me.” She added, “It wasn’t about the transition itself but the anticipation of who this person would become and whether they’d be significantly different from the individual they were before.”
Cher and her son (Credits: Getty Images)
Reflecting on her journey as a parent, the “Believe” singer described it as a mix of “difficult, challenging, exciting, and intriguing” moments. Cher acknowledged that raising children wasn’t easy during her marriage, acknowledging, “Sonny was a much better father. Not a better husband – a better father. But I was constantly working, and I’m sure my children felt the impact of that.”
Cher’s first marriage was to her musical partner, Sonny Bono, the other half of the iconic duo Sonny & Cher, from 1964 to 1975. They welcomed their only child, Chastity, in 1969. Later, Cher married musician Gregg Allman, with whom she was married from 1975 to 1979.
Cher also briefly dated notable figures, including Warren Beatty, record executive David Geffen, KISS frontman Gene Simmons, and actors Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer following her divorce. Her younger son, Elijah Blue Allman, was born during her second marriage.
In 2009, the “Goddess of Pop” publicly addressed her daughter Chastity’s decision to undergo a gender transition to become Chaz Bono. Cher’s statement at the time revealed her initial lack of complete understanding but unwavering support for her child, saying, “Chaz is embarking on a challenging journey, but it’s one I will stand by.
I respect the courage required for such a transition, even under public scrutiny, and though I may not fully grasp it, I will strive to be empathetic. My enduring love for my child will remain unchanged.”
In more recent news, Cher shared that she had started dating her boyfriend, Alexander “A.E.” Edwards, aged 37. Their romance began after he sent her a text following their initial brief meeting at Paris Fashion Week in 2022.
