In her poignant memoir, Cher: The Memoir (Part One), iconic singer and actress Cher shares the harrowing experiences that marked the end of her marriage to the late Sonny Bono.
One of the most startling revelations is Cher’s disclosure that, by the end of their tumultuous relationship, Sonny had “seriously thought” about taking her life.
Cher recounts an especially dark period in October 1972, while they were staying at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas.
Overwhelmed by despair, she contemplated ending her own life by jumping from the hotel balcony.
In a desperate bid to convey the depth of her unhappiness and desire to leave the marriage, she confessed to Sonny that she was considering an affair with their guitarist, Bill. Although she never intended to act on this, it was a last-ditch effort to make Sonny understand her need to separate.
Despite their personal turmoil, the couple’s professional life continued to thrive with the success of The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.
However, after months of emotional strife, they decided to part ways. To preserve their public image, Cher continued to live with Sonny. One morning, in a shocking turn of events, Sonny admitted that he had thought about “throwing you off our balcony” after hearing her confession about Bill.
Cher recalls this moment with a mix of disbelief and dark humour: “He laughed a little at that, and so did I.
It was crazy that he was telling me… He went on: ‘I figured I’d plead insanity like Spade Cooley and get seven years in jail before they released me. Then I’d get a book deal and my own show.'”
In a candid response, Cher remarked that there would have been “no need to push [her]” as she had already been considering jumping herself. She describes this exchange as “the darkest moment” of their marriage, acknowledging that while she never truly believed Sonny would harm her, the thought had crossed his mind, just as her own dark thoughts had lingered.
Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, is renowned for her distinctive voice and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
With a career spanning over six decades, she has achieved success as a singer, actress, and television personality. Cher’s rise to fame began in the 1960s as one half of the duo Sonny & Cher.
Their hit song “I Got You Babe” became an anthem of the era, propelling them to stardom. Cher’s solo career flourished in the 1970s and 1980s with chart-topping hits like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.”
She also made significant strides in acting, earning an Academy Award for her role in Moonstruck (1987). Known for her bold fashion choices and reinvention, Cher remains a beloved and influential figure in pop culture.
Cher and Sonny’s marriage officially ended in 1975. Despite the difficulties they faced, both personally and professionally, they managed to maintain a semblance of unity for their son, Chaz Bono.
The end of their marriage marked a new chapter for Cher, who continued to build her legacy as a solo artist and actress.
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