Cher has long been one of the most well-known names in the entertainment world. Fans of the Goddess of Pop have grown curious about her personal life as a result of her prolonged stay in the public eye. The singer had two extremely public marriages with musicians in the 1960s and 1970s that both ended in divorce. She was wed to Gregg Allman, a singer, from 1975 to 1979, and her fellow musician Sonny Bono, from 1964 to 1975.
Over the years, she has been linked to a few famous men, including Tom Cruise and Gene Simmons. But among the list, Gregg Allman shocked the world when he got married to Cher just four days after she finalized her divorce from her first husband, Sonny Bono. Now, fans are wondering what happened to Cher’s second husband.
Sonny And Cher Were The 'It' Couple Of Their Time
Sonny and Cher top the list of married couples who became famous for their contributions to popular music and culture. They were two of the most well-known figures of the late 1960s and early 1970s, mastering music and television as a team. They found fame singing I Got You Babe to each other in 1965, hence making them one of the 20th century’s most iconic couples.
When the two first met in 1963, Cher was only 16 while Sonny was 27 and married. At the time, Sonny was interested in Cher’s friend, but soon they formed a connection. Cher revealed in an interview that when she first laid eyes on the singer, “everyone just disappeared.”
She added, “He was the most unusual person I’d ever seen.”
Despite the fact that they weren’t romantically involved, Cher moved in with Sonny. Just as he had moved into a nearby apartment, Cher was kicked out by her roommates. He offered to let her stay with him if she would clean the unit. Not wanting to return home, she agreed to do so – though never actually did any of the duties.
Sonny allegedly claimed that when she first moved in, he wasn't attracted to her. Nevertheless, over time, their friendship developed into love. Cher said in 1975, “It wasn’t a fiery, sexy thing with us, but rather paternal, like we were bound together, two people who needed each other, almost for protection.”
Cher started her music career as a session singer, thanks to Sonny. After being discovered for her talent, she began singing for different bands including The Ronettes and The Crystals. She was also able to record a solo track called Ringo, I Love You. As her career slowly blossomed, so did the couple’s romantic relationship.
Cher and Sonny’s relationship continued as they rose to stardom. They officially tied the knot in 1996. And as their career flourished, Cher was submissive to her husband and allowed him to take the lead in their lives. Looking back, she said, “I had such a hero worship of Sonny, long after we were together. I just thought he was great.”
In addition to their music career, Sonny and Cher were also known for their fashion sense. They were often seen in matching outfits, and Cher's bold fashion choices helped to define the style of the era. Their fashion choices and on-screen chemistry made them one of the most beloved couples of their time.
But despite being considered the “it couple” of their time and one of the most beloved couples, Cher and Sonny experienced many pitfalls in their relationship. Eventually, the couple, who shared a child together, decided to separate ways because of Sonny’s infidelity. Their divorce was finalized in 1975 and a few days later, Cher married Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band.
Who Did Cher Marry The Second Time?
Following a messy court battle over the couple’s young daughter and their shared earnings, Sonny and Cher’s marriage came to an end after nine years of being together.
Despite that, Cher continued to believe in love as she got married for the second time – to Gregory Allman, the frontman and lead singer of the Allman Brothers Band.
The new couple had first met at a gig in Los Angeles, where Gregg was stunned by Cher, whom he later said “smelled like I would imagine a mermaid would smell” and that he “didn’t say hello or nothing at all because” he was so blinded by her.
However, Che filed for divorce just nine days after marrying Gregg, reportedly due to the fact that his “liquor and liquor problems were too much for her to handle.” Cher revealed in an interview, “He was so high he didn’t even understand me.”
In time, the couple, who shared a son together, were able to reconcile. Then, four years later, not long after the release of their duet album, they ultimately divorced.
Speaking in an interview after divorcing Gregg, Che said, “I just didn’t have the juice anymore. I wouldn’t have gone through it, except that nobody ever made me feel happy as Gregory did. God, he’s wonderful. I don’t understand why he can’t see it. He’s the kindest, most gentle, loving husband and father. But then…he forgets and everything goes [bad].”
What Happened To Cher's Ex-Husband Gregg Allman?
Cher and Gregg’s marital relationship was never smooth sailing until they finally reached a decision to split ways for good. After their divorce, Gregg continued to make music and tour, but his life was not without struggles.
In the early 2000s, his health began to decline. He underwent a liver transplant after he was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, which he attributed to a contaminated tattoo needle. He later changed to a vegan diet and had atrial fibrillation as well. However, he continued to struggle with other health issues.
According to the statement on his website, “Gregg struggled with many health issues over the past several years. During that time, Gregg considered being on the road playing music with his brothers and solo band for his beloved fans, essential medicine for his soul. Playing music lifted him up and kept him going during the toughest times.”
Unfortunately, the Allman Brothers Band lost its lead singer and co-founder Gregg Allman in his battle with liver cancer on May 27, 2017, at the age of 69. His death was indeed a loss for the world of music, but his contributions and legacy live on. He will always be remembered as an icon of rock and roll.
