Full Breakdown
Cher Reflects on Controlling Marriage with Sonny Bono
1/6/2026, 8:07:18 AM
The Dynamics of a Troubled Partnership
Cher, the iconic singer and actress, recently shared insights into her tumultuous marriage with the late Sonny Bono during an episode of "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard." The couple, who gained fame in the 1960s as the pop duo Sonny & Cher, first met in Los Angeles in 1962 when Cher was 16 and Bono was 27. Their partnership evolved from a mentor-mentee relationship into a musical and marital bond, culminating in their official marriage in 1969. Cher described their early years as filled with joy, but noted a significant shift as Bono's controlling behavior began to surface.
Control and Isolation
Cher recounted how Bono's jealousy and control escalated over time, particularly during their peak fame. She described a pivotal incident where Bono burned her clothes after discovering she attended a party at a friend's house. "He burned my clothes... in the yard," Cher stated, highlighting the extent of his jealousy. Cher explained that this controlling behavior was juxtaposed with their public persona on "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour," where Bono was supportive and humorous. However, at home, the atmosphere was starkly different, leading Cher to feel increasingly isolated and powerless.
The Impact of Fame on Their Relationship
Despite the challenges, Cher noted that their successful television show helped maintain their relationship longer than it might have otherwise lasted. "The show kept us together a lot longer than we would have been anyway," she reflected. However, as their marriage deteriorated, Cher began to recognize the financial and emotional control Bono exerted over her life. During their divorce proceedings in 1975, she discovered that Bono had managed their finances in a way that left her with little to no control over their earnings.
Financial Realities Post-Divorce
Cher's financial situation became clearer when music executive David Geffen reviewed her contract and revealed that 100% of their earnings were funneled into a company owned predominantly by Bono. "0% for Cher?" Shepard asked in disbelief. Cher confirmed, stating, "I didn't walk with any of it." Ultimately, their divorce settlement granted her 50% of the publishing royalties from their work together, which proved to be financially beneficial in the long run, earning her millions over the decades.
Reflections on a Complex Legacy
Cher's reflections on her marriage to Bono reveal a complex legacy of love, control, and eventual independence. After their split, she successfully launched a solo career, while Bono transitioned into politics before his untimely death in 1998. Cher concluded her thoughts by acknowledging her struggles with relationships and finances, stating, "I have never had success with men and money."
Verbatim Quotes
- "He burned my clothes... in the yard." — Cher, Singer
- "The show kept us together a lot longer than we would have been anyway." — Cher, Singer
- "0% for Cher?" — Dax Shepard, Host
- "I didn't walk with any of it." — Cher, Singer
Cher's candid revelations provide a glimpse into the complexities of her relationship with Sonny Bono, illustrating the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding autonomy and financial independence.
