Cher Opens Up About Parenting Challenges and Relationship with Her Children

Cher, the legendary icon of pop and film, recently shared deeply personal insights into her life as a mother. In a candid interview with BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, the 78-year-old singer reflected on her experiences raising her two children, Chaz Bono and Elijah Blue Allman, amidst the pressures of fame and her own personal struggles.

From navigating Chaz’s transition to addressing Elijah’s financial concerns, Cher’s revelations offer a rare glimpse into the complexities of motherhood behind the spotlight.

Cher’s Children and Their Unique Journeys

Cher shares two children with her former partners. Her eldest, Chaz Bono, was born as Chastity Bono in 1969 during her marriage to Sonny Bono. Growing up in the public eye, Chaz’s journey of self-discovery and eventual transition to a transgender man became a defining aspect of his life story.

Meanwhile, her younger son, Elijah Blue Allman, was born in 1976 during her marriage to rock musician Gregg Allman. Elijah, a talented musician in his own right, has often struggled with feeling disconnected from his family and dealing with the weight of his parents’ fame.

Navigating Chaz’s Transition

One of the most transformative moments in Cher’s life as a parent was Chaz’s transition. In the 1990s, Chaz first came out as a lesbian, which Cher admitted was difficult for her to process at the time. Later, when Chaz began transitioning, Cher faced a new wave of emotions, including confusion and fear. She described the experience as an emotional reckoning, but over time, she embraced Chaz’s identity wholeheartedly.

“It was hard for me at first. I was frightened,” Cher admitted. “But what matters most is that my child is happy and true to themselves.” Today, Cher celebrates Chaz’s openness and activism, which have made him a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community. Watching her son thrive has brought her immense joy, even though the road to acceptance wasn’t always smooth.

Challenges with Elijah Blue

While Cher’s relationship with Chaz has evolved into one of mutual understanding, her bond with Elijah has been more complicated. Elijah has been vocal about feeling neglected due to Cher’s demanding career, stating he often felt like an outsider in his family. Cher expressed regret over not always being as present as she wanted to be, acknowledging the challenges of balancing superstardom and motherhood.

“I love Elijah deeply,” she said. “I know I haven’t always been the perfect mom, but I’ve always wanted the best for him.” Recently, Cher filed a petition for control of Elijah’s finances, a decision she described as motivated by love and concern.

Lessons Learned as a Mother

Cher’s reflections reveal her growth as a parent and a person. She emphasized that perfection is an unattainable standard and that parenting is about learning and evolving. “You grow as your kids grow,” she said. “You learn to let go of the idea that you have to get everything right.”

She advised other parents to listen to their children and embrace their individuality, even when it challenges their expectations. “Your kids aren’t always going to turn out the way you imagined, but that’s not a bad thing,” she said.

Conclusion: A Mother’s Legacy

Cher’s journey as a mother highlights the universal struggles of parenting, even for a global superstar. Her honesty about her fears, mistakes, and triumphs resonates with fans and parents alike. Through her enduring love and willingness to grow, Cher has created a legacy not just as an icon, but as a mother who never stops learning and loving.