Cher, the iconic “Goddess of Pop,” has dazzled audiences for nearly eight decades with her bold voice, striking beauty, and fearless reinventions. Yet, behind the spotlight lies a life marked by turmoil, heartbreak, and relentless determination. From a chaotic childhood to complex family dynamics and career highs and lows, Cher’s journey is a testament to her resilience. Here’s a closer look at the challenges that shaped her into a cultural legend.

A Childhood of Instability

Cher’s early years were far from glamorous. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, to Georgia Holt and John Sarkisian, her life began in a whirlwind of instability. Her parents’ impulsive marriage in Reno, Nevada, unraveled quickly. Georgia, a teenage dreamer working in a Fresno donut shop, and John, a charming truck driver with a gambling addiction, divorced when Cher was just 10 months old. John’s struggles with drugs and volatility left Cher with a distant connection to him, though she later embraced her Armenian heritage through his influence.

Georgia Holt’s life was equally tumultuous, with seven marriages, including two to Sarkisian. As an aspiring actress and singer, she chased Hollywood dreams, often leaving Cher in precarious situations. At age two, Cher was briefly placed in a Catholic orphanage as Georgia struggled financially. Extended stays with grandparents and makeshift solutions—like rubber bands to hold together worn-out shoes—defined Cher’s childhood. In a 2010 Vanity Fair interview, she recalled the shame of her tattered clothes and the constant flux between poverty and fleeting moments of Beverly Hills glamor. These hardships forged a resilience that would carry her through life.

Struggles with School and Dreams of Stardom

Cher’s high school years were marked by a sense of alienation. Despite her intelligence and beauty, she felt like an outsider. Diagnosed later with dyslexia—a condition poorly understood at the time—she struggled academically, earning a mix of A’s and F’s. “I hated school because I didn’t fit into the right spaces,” she told biographer Mark Bego in 2001. Her mind was elsewhere, dreaming of fame, fashion, and a life beyond the classroom. Frustrated by her challenges and fueled by ambition, Cher dropped out in 11th grade at 16, setting her sights on Los Angeles.

The Rise with Sonny Bono

In 1963, Cher’s life changed when she met Sonny Bono, a 27-year-old songwriter. Initially hired as his housekeeper after being evicted by roommates, their relationship soon blossomed. By 1965, as Sonny & Cher, they skyrocketed to fame with “I Got You Babe,” a timeless hit that captured the 1960s youth spirit. Follow-up singles like “Baby Don’t Go” and “The Beat Goes On” solidified their status, but film ventures like Good Times (1967) and Chastity (1969) flopped, plunging them into debt. Shifting musical tastes further dimmed their star, pushing them to reinvent as a Las Vegas act.

Their Vegas lounge show, blending music and comedy, revived their fame, leading to The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour in 1971. The show was a hit, but their marriage crumbled under Sonny’s infidelity and controlling nature. By 1974, Cher filed for divorce, citing “involuntary servitude.” She left nearly penniless, facing debts tied to their joint ventures, marking a low point.

A Solo Career and Personal Struggles

Cher’s solo TV show, Cher, defied expectations, proving her star power. But her music career faltered, with albums like Stars (1975) and Cherished (1977) failing to chart. A brief marriage to Greg Allman, marred by his substance abuse, ended in 1978, leaving her to raise their son, Elijah Blue. A disco pivot with Take Me Home (1979) revived her music career, but subsequent albums like Prisoner flopped. Undeterred, Cher formed the rock band Black Rose in 1980, though it, too, failed commercially.

Triumph in Acting and Health Battles

In the 1980s, Cher pivoted to acting, earning a Golden Globe and Oscar nomination for Silkwood (1983). Roles in Mask (1985) and Suspect (1987) showcased her versatility, culminating in an Academy Award for Moonstruck (1987). Yet, health struggles loomed. Diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus during The Witches of Eastwick (1987), Cher faced debilitating fatigue and pneumonia, sidelining her for two years. “I had to work my way back up,” she told The New York Times, reflecting her relentless drive.

Family Challenges and Legacy

Cher’s relationships with her children, Chaz and Elijah, faced strains. Chaz’s transition from female to male in 2008 challenged Cher, who initially struggled but became a vocal LGBTQ+ advocate. Elijah spoke in 2014 of feeling “shunned” by early boarding school experiences, though he admired his mother’s talent. Despite estrangements, Cher’s love for her sons endures.

The tragic death of Sonny Bono in a 1998 skiing accident left Cher devastated. Her tearful eulogy praised his vision, crediting him for their iconic partnership. Through it all, Cher’s ability to reinvent herself—across music, film, and advocacy—has kept her a global icon. Her life, though scarred by pain, shines as a story of unyielding strength.