OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Cher, the iconic singer, actress, and cultural phenomenon, has lived through decades of fame, relationships, and fascinating encounters. Among her most intriguing stories is the time she turned down an offer from none other than Elvis Presley. In a candid interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Cher shared the real reason behind her decision to turn down the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
As Cher, now 78, reflected on that time, she revealed her nerves played a significant role in her decision. “It was because I was nervous and I knew of the people around him and it wasn’t that they were bad people, it’s just that I was kind of nervous of his reputation,” she explained. Cher, known for her bold persona on stage, admitted she was quite shy offstage, especially around men. “I’m really shy when I’m not working and kind of shy around men,” she confessed.
This revelation comes as no surprise when considering Cher’s relationships over the years. Her past includes high-profile exes like Sonny Bono, Gene Simmons, and Val Kilmer. But Cher also opened up about her tendency to gravitate toward younger men. “The reason I go out with young men is because men my age or older — well, now they’re all dead — but before they just never… they were always terrified to approach me,” she said. “Younger men were the only ones that…” The remark was met with a playful interjection from Jennifer Hudson, who quipped, “They’re bold,” to which Cher responded, “Yeah, raised by women like me!”
Despite her past relationships, Cher’s love life has recently made headlines again. She was first spotted with Alexander “AE” Edwards in November 2022, after meeting him at Paris Fashion Week the previous month. After their breakup in May 2023, rumors of a reconciliation surfaced when the pair attended Balmain’s Paris Fashion Week presentation in September. By October, sources confirmed the couple had rekindled their romance and were in a “good place,” with many of their friends praising their chemistry.
Their relationship also appears to be grounded in a shared passion for music. Cher and AE have been working together creatively, with AE helping produce her latest Christmas album. “Everybody knows Cher is a music legend, but AE’s been trying to introduce her to a new sound with a little bit of New Age influence,” a source shared. The pair’s creative process seems to be flourishing, with a mutual respect for one another’s work.
However, while Cher and AE bond over music, there are still moments of disconnect when it comes to pop culture references. In an October 2023 interview with Extra, Cher shared a humorous anecdote about AE’s unfamiliarity with some of her references. “The other day, I said, ‘Do you know who, I don’t know, Clark Gable [is]?’ He looked at me and said, ‘I wasn’t born yet,’” she laughed.
Through the ups and downs of her personal life, Cher’s openness and candidness continue to resonate, offering fans a glimpse into the life of a woman who has shaped the music and entertainment landscape for decades. Whether turning down Elvis Presley or navigating modern relationships, Cher remains an unforgettable figure—one whose truth continues to inspire.