In a stunning revelation from her forthcoming autobiography, “The Memoir: Part One,” legendary singer and actress Cher has opened up about the pivotal moment that led to her decision to part ways with her longtime collaborator and then-husband, Sonny Bono. The catalyst for this life-altering choice? None other than Hollywood icon Lucille Ball.
Speaking candidly in an interview on BBC One’s Graham Norton Show, Cher recalled seeking guidance from the “I Love Lucy” star when she found herself at a crossroads in her personal and professional life. “I didn’t know what to do and leaving was a hard thing for me,” Cher admitted. “Lucille Ball was on television and part of a couple with Desi Arnaz, so I went to her.”
The advice Ball offered was as straightforward as it was empowering: “Fuck him, you’re the one with the talent.” These words struck a chord with Cher, who had recently discovered that Bono had effectively made her his employee through the creation of Cher Enterprises, a company in which he held the majority stake.
A Partnership Divided
Cher and Sonny Bono first met in a coffee shop in 1962, when he was an established songwriter and she an aspiring singer. Their romantic and professional partnership quickly blossomed, leading to their emergence as one of the most influential showbiz couples of their time.
However, the revelation of the power imbalance within their business arrangement left Cher feeling betrayed and determined to assert her worth. “When I learned that he and his lawyer owned everything and I was just an employee, I said I wanted to be 50-50 partners, otherwise I would walk,” she told Norton.
The Courage to Walk Away
Despite her resolve, Cher admitted that leaving Bono was a daunting prospect. “I didn’t want to leave, but I couldn’t be under that contract—I had no money,” she explained. It was at this critical juncture that Ball’s words provided the final push Cher needed to take control of her future.
There is no bitterness towards Sonny. I was angry with him, but I just couldn’t be mad at him. We were friends until he died.
– Cher
A Bittersweet Legacy
While the split marked the end of an era, Cher maintains that her feelings towards Bono were complex. In a 2010 interview with Vanity Fair, she described him as “more than a husband—a terrible husband, but a great mentor, a great teacher.”
She also revealed that Bono had once told her, “One day, you are going to leave me. You are going to go on and do great things.” In hindsight, these words seem prophetic, as Cher went on to achieve incredible success as a solo artist, earning her a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Power of Female Solidarity
Cher’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of female solidarity in the face of adversity. By seeking counsel from another woman who had navigated the complexities of a high-profile showbusiness partnership, Cher found the strength to forge her own path and claim her rightful place in the spotlight.
As fans eagerly await the release of her autobiography, Cher’s candid reflections on this transformative moment in her life offer a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of one of the entertainment industry’s most enduring icons. Her journey serves as an inspiration to anyone struggling to break free from the constraints of an unequal partnership and embrace their true potential.
