Sonny and Cher‘s famous relationship came apart for a number of reasons. Their divorce resulted from personal conflicts, adultery, and a complicated relationship dynamic. Their public reputation as a team firmly linked their professions made parting personally and professionally difficult.
| Sonny Bono | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Salvatore Phillip “Sonny” Bono |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1935 |
| Date of Death | January 5, 1998 |
| Profession | Singer, Actor, Politician |
| Spouse | Cher (1969-1975), others |
| Net Worth at Death | Approx. $15 million |
| Cher | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cherilyn Sarkisian |
| Date of Birth | May 20, 1946 |
| Profession | Singer, Actress |
| Spouse | Sonny Bono (1969-1975), others |
| Net Worth | Estimated $360 million |
| Children | Chaz Bono |
| Link | Biography |
Control Problems and Career Ambitions
Beginning as an explosive musical triumph, Sonny and Cher’s relationship soared with singles like “I Got You Babe.” Sonny controlled their lives since he oversaw every element of their career. Cher became uneasy with this dynamic as she grew older, and the strain built.
Adultery and Relationship Problems
Sonny’s affairs came up often. Cher finally agreed that their split resulted from his adultery. Sonny’s connections with other women were no secret, but Cher stayed—probably in response to her genuine fondness for him or to serve their public image.
Cher’s Independence Push
As Cher aged, her yearning for independence became abundantly evident. She asked to revise their financial plans since Sonny’s power over their money seemed overly limited. His refusal to change their agreement finally caused her to seek divorce in 1974.
The impact of Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour
The popularity of The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour kept them together for public appearances even as their marriage strained. The way the show portrayed a blissful marriage ran counter to their own problems, which put strain. Cher subsequently said they were already having trouble during the third season of the show.
Legal and Financial Difficulties
The grounds for Cher’s divorce claim were “involuntary servitude.” She found that their business, Cher Enterprises, was set up to benefit Sonny, therefore restricting her financial freedom. This legal fight brought to light her annoyance with Sonny’s money management.
Public as opposed to private life
Although their public persona was clear-cut, their personal life revealed another. Their disintegration started with Cher’s mounting discontent with Sonny’s domineering behavior and adultery. Over time, their different goals and expectations drove them farther apart.
Relationships Outside of Marriage
As her marriage to Sonny came apart, Cher started dating David Geffen. This connection highlighted her want to escape Sonny’s influence. Sonny’s opposition to Cher’s autonomy and the presence of a new lover widened their distance from one another.
Difficult Emotional Connection
Their relationship was complicated by Cher’s view of Sonny as a father figure. She later admitted that her achievement was much enhanced by Sonny. Their breakup emotionally difficult since her emotions toward him were a mix of love, devotion, and dependability.
Fresh starts following a divorce
Cher soon remarried Gregg Allman following their split. This abrupt action marked her will to go on. Sonny meanwhile tried a career change into politics. Their journeys following divorce emphasized how their differences had shaped their lives.
Attempts at Reconnecting on Film
With The Sonny & Cher Show, Sonny and Cher tried to resurrect their on-screen relationship, but the spark was lost. A show including exes drew less viewers, and it was shelved after two seasons, demonstrating how their breakup had changed everything.
Death of Sonny and Eulogy of Cher
Sonny passed suddenly in a skiing accident in 1998. Cher paid a moving eulogy expressing thanks for their journey together. Later on, she said Sonny stayed a major inspiration for her. For both of them, his death signaled the end of a chapter.
Cher’s Thoughts on Their Marital Union
Looking back, Cher believes Sonny might have saved their marriage if he had let her more freedom. She said, despite their differences, he was really essential in her life. Their relationship still bears evidence of the special link they had despite their hardships.
FAQs
Why did Sonny and Cher break up?
Sonny and Cher’s marriage ended due to control issues, infidelity, and career pressures.
When did Sonny and Cher divorce?
They divorced on June 26, 1975.
Did Sonny and Cher remain friends after the divorce?
Yes, they reconciled as friends before Sonny’s death in 1998.
What reason did Cher give for the divorce?
Cher cited “involuntary servitude” due to Sonny’s control over their career and finances.
Did Sonny and Cher ever reunite professionally?
They briefly reunited on The Sonny & Cher Show, but it was canceled after two seasons.
