Cher, the legendary pop icon and actress, is currently not married but is in a relationship with music executive Alexander Edwards. The 78-year-old entertainer has been married twice before – first to Sonny Bono from 1964 to 1975, and then to Gregg Allman from 1975 to 1979. Her current romance with Edwards, who is 40 years younger than her, began in late 2022 and has captured significant media attention due to their substantial age difference.
The “Goddess of Pop” has never shied away from love, despite the challenges that come with being one of the world’s most recognizable celebrities. Her dating history spans decades and includes relationships with some of entertainment’s biggest names. From her early days as half of the iconic duo Sonny & Cher to her current relationship with a music industry executive four decades her junior, Cher’s romantic life has been as dynamic as her career.
Throughout her life, Cher has been refreshingly honest about her relationships, often addressing criticism head-on and defending her choices. Her approach to love has evolved over the years, but one thing remains constant: her refusal to compromise her authentic self for anyone. As she once famously said, “The trouble with some women is they get all excited about nothing—and then marry him.” This wit and wisdom have guided her through both heartbreak and happiness, making her one of the most relatable superstars of our time.
Current Relationship Status: Dating Alexander Edwards
Cher and Alexander Edwards (Image via Getty)
Cher is currently in a relationship with Alexander “AE” Edwards, a 37-year-old music executive who serves as VP of A&R at Def Jam Records. The couple first met at Paris Fashion Week in September 2022 and began dating shortly after. Their relationship became public in November 2022 when Cher started sharing photos and heart emojis about Edwards on social media.
The 40-year age gap between them has been a frequent topic of discussion, but Cher has consistently defended their relationship. “On paper, it’s kind of ridiculous, but in real life, we get along great. He’s fabulous. And I don’t give men qualities that they don’t deserve,” she explained on The Kelly Clarkson Show. She has also emphasized that “LOVE DOESN’T KNOW MATH, IT SEES ❤️ ❤️”.
Their relationship hasn’t been without its challenges. The couple briefly broke up in May 2023, with sources indicating they had “quietly broken up weeks before”. However, by September 2023, they were exploring reconciliation, and by January 2024, Cher confirmed they were going strong with a photo of herself sitting on Edwards’ lap, captioned simply “Love is love”.
As of 2025, the couple remains together and continues to make public appearances at fashion shows and industry events. In April 2025, Cher’s representative shut down breakup rumors, confirming that the pair “remains still together romantically and are very happy”.
First Marriage: Sonny Bono (1964-1975)
Cher’s first and most famous marriage was to Salvatore “Sonny” Bono, whom she met in November 1962 when she was just 16 years old and he was 27. At the time, Bono was working for legendary record producer Phil Spector. What began as a living arrangement – Cher became Bono’s housekeeper when her friend moved out – eventually blossomed into romance.
The couple initially performed together as Caesar and Cleo before becoming the iconic duo Sonny & Cher. They achieved massive success with hits like “I Got You Babe” and “Baby Don’t Go” in 1965. Although they told the public they were married in 1964, they didn’t legally wed until 1969, shortly after the birth of their son, Chaz Bono, on March 4, 1969.
Their professional success was undeniable – they sold over 40 million records worldwide and starred in the popular variety show “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,” which premiered in 1971. However, their personal relationship began deteriorating behind the scenes. Cher later revealed that “Stardom made Sonny a huge womanizer. One woman, or even five, was not enough for him”.
Cher (Image via Getty)Cher (Image via Getty)
The couple separated in 1972 but remained legally married for two more years to protect their careers. During this time, they lived in the same house while dating other people. In February 1974, Sonny filed for separation, and a week later, Cher countered with a divorce suit, citing “involuntary servitude” and claiming he withheld her rightful share of their earnings.
The divorce proceedings revealed that Cher was legally just an employee of Cher Enterprises, a company 95% owned by Sonny. With help from music executive David Geffen, whom she was dating at the time, Cher broke free from this arrangement. Their divorce was finalized on June 26, 1975, with Cher winning custody of Chaz.
Second Marriage: Gregg Allman (1975-1979)
Just four days after her divorce from Sonny was finalized, Cher married Gregg Allman, co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band, on June 30, 1975. She had been dating Allman since January 1975, shortly after ending her relationship with David Geffen.
The marriage got off to a rocky start when Cher filed for divorce just nine days after the wedding due to Allman’s heroin and alcohol problems. However, they reconciled within a month and remained married until 1979. During their marriage, they welcomed son Elijah Blue Allman on July 10, 1976.
The couple even collaborated professionally, recording the duet album “Two the Hard Way” in 1977 under the name “Allman and Woman”. They toured Europe to support the album, but the tour was plagued with problems as fights frequently broke out between Cher fans and Allman Brothers fans, forcing Cher to cancel the tour.
Cher’s substance abuse issues with Allman created ongoing tension in their relationship. In her 2018 interview with the Daily Mail, Cher explained that Allman’s addiction problems ultimately hurt their marriage. Their relationship ended soon after the tour’s cancellation, and their divorce was finalized in 1979.
Notable Relationships and Dating History
Cher (Image via Getty)
Before meeting Sonny Bono, 16-year-old Cher had a brief romance with 25-year-old actor Warren Beatty. She also famously almost went on a date with Elvis Presley in the mid-1970s but backed out due to nerves: “Almost, I got nervous, I didn’t get there [to the date], I was that nervous. I wish I had”.
Following her divorce from Allman, Cher had a two-year live-in relationship with Kiss member Gene Simmons from 1978 to 1980. Over the years, she has been romantically linked to numerous high-profile figures, including Tom Cruise, comic book writer Ron Zimmerman, and Toto’s David Paich.
Cher’s Philosophy on Love and Relationships
Throughout her dating history, Cher has maintained that younger men have been more accepting of her personality and career. “If I hadn’t met younger men in my life I would’ve never had a date…older men just didn’t like me all that much,” she explained on The Kelly Clarkson Show. “Younger men don’t care if you’re funny or outrageous and want to do stupid things and you have a strong personality. I’m not giving up my personality for anybody”.
When asked about her dating life in 2018, she acknowledged the challenges of maintaining relationships in the public eye: “The problem I have with all the boyfriends lately is that I don’t want to go any place with them because you can’t keep a relationship going in this kind of goldfish bowl, where everything you do and every picture you have taken will be on Instagram”.
Cher’s approach to love remains optimistic and authentic. At 78, she continues to embrace romance while staying true to herself, proving that love truly knows no boundaries – whether they be age, fame, or societal expectations.
Chris Hemsworth, the Australian actor who captured hearts worldwide as the mighty Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been happily married to Spanish actress and model Elsa Pataky since 2010. Their love story is one of Hollywood’s most enduring romances, characterized by spontaneous decisions, mutual sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to family values.
The couple’s relationship began in early 2010 when they met through their mutual representatives, and what followed was a whirlwind romance that led to marriage within the same year. Despite the fast-paced nature of their courtship, Hemsworth and Pataky have built a strong foundation that has withstood the pressures of Hollywood fame and the challenges of raising three children in the public eye.
Their marriage represents more than just a celebrity union; it’s a testament to finding balance between demanding careers and family life. Pataky, known for her roles in the Fast & Furious franchise and other international films, made significant sacrifices to support Hemsworth’s rising career while prioritizing their children’s upbringing. Together, they’ve navigated the complexities of fame, relocated from Los Angeles to Australia for a more grounded lifestyle, and maintained their relationship through honest communication about the ups and downs that come with any long-term partnership.
This comprehensive look at their relationship timeline reveals how two international stars created a lasting marriage built on mutual respect, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to family.
The Beginning: How Chris Hemsworth Met Elsa Pataky
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky (Image via Getty)
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky’s love story began in early 2010 when they were introduced through their mutual representatives. At the time, Hemsworth was an emerging Australian actor beginning to make his mark in Hollywood, while Pataky was an established Spanish actress and model with an international career spanning films like the Fast & Furious franchise.
The timing of their meeting proved fortuitous for both actors. Pataky had recently ended a three-year relationship with American actor Adrien Brody in 2009, following an earlier relationship with French actor Michaël Youn from 2004 to 2006. Meanwhile, Hemsworth was on the cusp of his breakthrough role as Thor, which would catapult him to international stardom.
Their connection was immediate and intense. By September 2010, just months after meeting, the couple made their relationship red-carpet official when they attended the opening gala for the Resnick Pavilion at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This public appearance essentially confirmed their romance to the world, with Pataky choosing a classic little black dress while Hemsworth complemented her in a matching black suit.
A Whirlwind Romance: From Meeting to Marriage in Months
What makes Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky’s relationship particularly remarkable is the speed with which they committed to each other. After meeting in early 2010, the couple tied the knot in December of the same year, making their entire courtship less than twelve months.
Their wedding took place during the Christmas holidays in Australia, where Hemsworth grew up. The ceremony was notably spontaneous and intimate, reflecting the couple’s approach to their relationship. In a 2016 appearance on Good Morning Britain, Hemsworth revealed the unplanned nature of their nuptials: “It did happen quick and it just felt right, it made sense. There was no great plan to any of it, to be honest. We were on holiday, and we said, ‘Why don’t we get married too?’ And then the next minute… There probably should have been some planning, but it all worked out.”
The actor further explained that both their families happened to be on holiday at the same time, creating what they saw as a perfect opportunity. “Honestly, we had both our families on holiday at the same time, just randomly, and we said, this is a good opportunity with everyone together. So we just did it.”
Building a Family: Three Children and Parenting Philosophy
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have built a beautiful family together, welcoming three children over the years. Their eldest child, daughter India Rose, was born in May 2012. Two years later, in March 2014, the couple welcomed twin sons, Tristan and Sasha.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky (Image via Getty)
The couple has been intentional about protecting their children from the pressures of fame while still allowing them to experience normal childhood activities. Hemsworth’s children train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Thalison Soares, and he regularly takes them to compete in national tournaments. This involvement in martial arts reflects the family’s commitment to physical fitness and discipline.
In 2015, the family made a significant lifestyle change by moving from Los Angeles to Byron Bay, New South Wales, in Hemsworth’s native Australia. This relocation was motivated by their desire to provide their children with a more grounded upbringing away from the intense spotlight of Hollywood. The move to Byron Bay allowed the family to enjoy a more relaxed, beach-oriented lifestyle while still maintaining their international careers.
Marriage Challenges and Growth: Honest Reflections on Their Relationship
Despite their strong bond, Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have been refreshingly honest about the challenges their marriage has faced. In a 2017 interview with GQ, Hemsworth candidly discussed the difficulties of balancing his thriving career with family life: “My wife and I fell in love, had kids, didn’t really see each other for a few years, then fell back in love.”
The actor acknowledged the significant sacrifices Pataky made for their family, particularly regarding her career. “In terms of work, she’s certainly given up more than I have,” Hemsworth admitted, recognizing that Pataky had stepped back from her acting career to focus on raising their children. He also expressed understanding of her desire for him to be more present at home: “She’d like me to step back and be at home with the kids more, and, of course, I want that too.”
Pataky herself has spoken openly about their relationship dynamics. Ahead of their 10-year anniversary in 2020, she told Australian magazine body+soul: “It’s funny that people think of us as a perfect couple. No way. It’s been ups and downs, and we still keep working at the relationship.”
Recent Years: Renewed Connection and Mutual Support
Chris Hemsworth (Image via Getty)
The couple’s honesty about their challenges has ultimately strengthened their relationship. In a 2023 interview with British GQ, Hemsworth reflected on how their relationship evolved once their children were older: “It feels like we got to know each other halfway through our relationship, five, six years ago. In a beautiful way. Once our kids were out of nappies, things became a bit more manageable.”
Hemsworth has consistently praised Pataky’s unwavering support throughout his career. In the same 2023 interview, he credited her with his success: “I couldn’t have done any of the things I’ve done without it,” referring to her “sacrifice, commitment, work, support, forgiveness.”
The couple continues to prioritize their family life while managing their respective careers. Hemsworth speaks limited Spanish and Indonesian, showing his effort to connect with Pataky’s cultural background. Their commitment to maintaining their relationship while raising three children in the public eye serves as an inspiration to many couples facing similar challenges.
Legacy and Recognition
Chris Hemsworth’s personal achievements have been recognized alongside his professional success. In 2021, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. In 2024, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with the ceremony taking place on May 23, 2024, at 6819 Hollywood Boulevard.
The couple’s relationship continues to evolve as they navigate new challenges together, including Hemsworth’s revelation in his 2022 National Geographic documentary “Limitless” about his increased genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease due to inheriting two copies of the APOE4 gene. This personal health information has only strengthened their bond as they face the future together.
