Stuck in ‘loveless marriage’ with Sonny Bono, Cher almost took irreversible decision to ‘simply disappear’

Cher’s new memoir, Cher: The Memoir, offers an intimate look at her life, particularly her tumultuous decade-long marriage to Sonny Bono. While the iconic pop duo seemed like the epitome of a picture-perfect partnership, Cher reveals the complexities and darker moments that defined their relationship, including a near-tragic turning point in her life.

A Dark Night in Las Vegas

One of the most striking revelations in Cher’s memoir is her struggle with profound loneliness during her marriage. She recounts an October 1972 night when she stood on the balcony of a Las Vegas hotel, overwhelmed by the thought of ending it all. “I was dizzy with loneliness,” she writes, describing the despair she felt being trapped in a marriage that had lost its love.

Cher credits her thoughts of loved ones—her child, mother, and sister—for pulling her back from the edge. She recognized the impact such an act could have on those who looked up to her. This pivotal moment occurred before Cher became a solo sensation and an acclaimed actress in films like Moonstruck and Silkwood, making it a haunting what if in her legacy.

Sonny Bono: Partner, Mentor, and Challenge

Cher reflects on how Sonny was instrumental in shaping her early career, giving her the confidence and platform to shine. However, their relationship took a toll on her emotionally. She describes him as inflexible and controlling, revealing that his infidelity and emotionally abusive tendencies were key factors in the breakdown of their marriage.

Cher also shares candid observations about their dynamic, noting how their 11-year age gap played a role. She met Sonny at 16, and while she was immediately drawn to him, Sonny initially wasn’t interested. Over time, their relationship evolved from friendship to romance, culminating in a whimsical bathroom wedding.

Love, Fame, and the Fallout

At the height of their partnership, Sonny and Cher dominated the music and television industries with hits and their variety show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. Yet, their professional success couldn’t shield them from personal struggles. By 1974, their marriage had unraveled, and they separated, with Cher moving on to a relationship with David Geffen.

Despite the pain of their divorce, finalized in 1975, Cher and Sonny managed to rebuild their relationship as friends. She describes him as a “close confidante” later in life, and their bond endured until his death in 1998.

Cher’s Resilience and Reinvention

Cher’s memoir not only revisits her past but also underscores her resilience. The despair she experienced during her marriage became a catalyst for reinvention, fueling her rise as a solo artist and Hollywood star. Her journey from a young, controlled wife to an empowered icon serves as an inspiring reminder of her strength and adaptability.

Cher’s candid storytelling paints a full picture of her life with Sonny—one of love, creativity, conflict, and ultimately, survival. Fans and readers are given a rare glimpse into the woman behind the legend, further solidifying her status as one of entertainment’s most enduring figures.