Cher Reflects on Love Story with Sonny Bono: Not Love at First Sight

Not all storybook romances ignite with an immediate spark; Cher, the legendary pop icon, candidly shared that her first encounter with Sonny Bono lacked the hallmark of love at first sight.

In an intriguing upcoming segment on CBS Sunday Morning, the 78-year-old music legend sat down with veteran journalist Anthony Mason to delve into the complexities of her and her late ex-husband’s enduring relationship.

Mason painted a vivid picture of their initial meeting in a quaint coffee shop in 1962, describing Sonny’s eye-catching attire that included a mohair suit complemented by a striking mustard-colored shirt. Cher, beaming with nostalgia, chimed in with a description of his fashionable flair, noting, “With a white collar and Beatle boots, but they were called Cuban.”

Reflecting on that fateful moment, Cher likened her feelings to the legendary romance depicted in West Side Story, stating, “I thought it was like when Tony met Maria. I mean, everybody disappeared.” However, despite the world seemingly fading away, Cher humorously acknowledged, “He didn’t like me.”

Cher clarified that their connection at that moment was not exactly love at first sight; rather, it was an inexplicable feeling that she described as, “It was something… I never felt it before.” This reflects the unusual nature of their bond that would evolve over time.

Their unique love story began when a then-16-year-old Cher agreed to move in with 27-year-old Bono, initially taking on the role of his housekeeper, which ultimately paved the way for a deep romantic engagement.

Cher revealed a twist in their initial dynamic, noting, “He liked my girlfriend,” which complicated her feelings about moving in with him. Cher humorously recounted their conversation, saying, “He went, ‘No, no. I don’t find you particularly attractive.’ So I was upset and happy at the same time.” This candid moment showcased the mixed emotions that colored their early interactions.

Mason inquired if their 11-year age difference posed challenges, to which Cher responded, describing Sonny as “kind of childish,” a trait that ultimately allowed him to connect with her in a genuine manner. “Because I didn’t expect anything. I didn’t want money. I didn’t think about anything, you know,” she explained, emphasizing the simplicity of their early relationship.

The “Believe” singer illustrated the carefree nature of their time together, recalling how women who pursued Bono at the time wanted him to take on a more adult persona. Cher reminisced about a day they spent joyfully painting with watercolors, saying, “We got a candle and we just watercolored all day long. We [were] trying to get it right. And I don’t think those ladies wanted to do that.” This lighthearted anecdote painted a picture of their artistic and playful spirits.

Their partnership blossomed into the celebrated duo Sonny & Cher in 1964, which marked both their artistic collaboration and marriage that same year. Cher later gave birth to their son Chaz in 1969, but the couple’s marriage unraveled, leading to their divorce in 1975. Reflecting on their tumultuous relationship, Cher revealed in a 2023 interview with PEOPLE that Bono “pissed me off royally and hurt me.”

In a poignant moment prior to his death in 1998, Bono sought reconciliation by reaching out to Cher. She recalled, “One day he came into the kitchen at my house and said, ‘Cher, I want to apologize. I realized that I hurt you in so many ways, and I was wrong.’ That went a long way for me,” illustrating the profound journey of forgiveness and understanding they shared.

Catch the full captivating interview with Cher on CBS Sunday Morning, airing this Sunday, Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. ET, where she will unveil more insights into her remarkable life and career.

What was Cher’s initial impression of Sonny Bono when they first met? ⁢

⁢**Exclusive Interview with ‌Cher: Reflecting on Her First Encounter with Sonny Bono**

*Editor’s Note: ​In an upcoming segment on CBS Sunday⁣ Morning, music icon Cher opens up about her unique love story with the late Sonny Bono. We had a chance to chat with her about their unconventional⁤ start⁢ and the complexities ‍of their ⁤relationship.*

**Editor:** Cher, thank you for joining us today! You’ve discussed ⁣how your first meeting with Sonny Bono lacked the typical love-at-first-sight spark. Can you walk us through that moment?

**Cher:** Of course! It was in a little coffee shop in 1962, and‌ honestly, I didn’t expect anything special. Sonny was dressed in this eye-catching mohair ​suit with a mustard shirt, and I remember thinking he had ⁢a certain flair—he had these white collar shirts and what⁣ were then called Cuban boots!

**Editor:** Sounds like quite the fashion statement! Did you feel an instant connection at ‌that moment?

**Cher:** (laughs)​ Not at all! I had this ⁣feeling that was sort of like the moment in⁢ *West Side Story* when Tony meets ⁢Maria—everything else‌ faded‌ away—but he didn’t like me! He even told me ⁣he didn’t find me particularly attractive. So, I had this mix of being upset but also ⁤happy, you know?

**Editor:** That sounds so intriguing! You mentioned in the segment that it ‍was something you’d never felt ‍before. Can⁤ you elaborate‍ on that?

**Cher:** Sure! It was a ⁤strange feeling—something ​inexplicable. It wasn’t really romantic at first; more like an intriguing connection. It‍ took time for it to⁤ develop into what we eventually had.

**Editor:** ​And your relationship ‌had its own unique beginning—moving in with him when you were ‍just 16 while he was 27. How did that dynamic affect your connection?

**Cher:** It was complicated! I was initially his housekeeper, which sounds odd now. But Sonny had this childish⁢ side that clicked with me. ⁢I didn’t want anything from⁢ him, which made things simple. There ⁤were ‍no expectations, just a genuine connection.

**Editor:** It’s ‌fascinating how ​those early experiences shaped ⁤your later relationship. ⁣What do you think ‌kept you⁣ both together for⁣ so long ⁢despite those initial ‍challenges?

**Cher:** I think it was ⁣that we were able to‍ communicate honestly, even about things like age difference. Sonny understood me in a way that ⁤others didn’t,⁣ and we shared⁣ a lot of ⁣laughter along the way.⁢ It turned out to be ⁣a beautiful, albeit complex, love ​story.

**Editor:** Thank you, Cher, ‍for sharing such heartfelt insights about your journey with Sonny. We look forward to watching the full interview on CBS Sunday Morning!

**Cher:** Thank ‍you! I’m​ excited‍ for everyone ⁣to see it and hope it brings a smile to their faces.