Cher's Reflections on Her Legendary Romance with Val Kilmer

It’s been over four decades since the iconic Cher was romantically entangled with the charming Val Kilmer during the early 1980s. Yet, as time marches on, the memories of their love remain vivid in the mind of the "Strong Enough" singer. Reflecting back, Cher, now 75, vividly recalls the depths of passion she once shared with the star of "Top Gun." Her words, captured in a heartfelt People article published on Wednesday, August 25, paint a picture of a love that was nothing short of extraordinary.

Cher describes Val as a unique force in her life, a man unlike any she has ever known. "He's exasperating and hysterical," she writes, her voice filled with admiration. "Thrilling and funny, and doesn’t do what anyone else does." These lines encapsulate the essence of their relationship, a dynamic that combined humor with intensity, creating a bond that transcended the ordinary.

cher-recalls-being-madly-in-love-with-val-kilmer-in-the-1980s — Alan Davidson/Shutterstock

Adorable Nicknames and the Essence of Their Bond

In the realm of love, nicknames often serve as a testament to the intimacy shared between two people. Cher reveals that she and Val had their own playful monikers, calling each other "Sid and Ethel." "Val didn’t want to yell 'Cher' and I didn’t want to yell 'Val,'" she reminisces, adding with a chuckle, "We also called ourselves Valus Maximus and Cherus Reprimandus." These names weren't just playful; they encapsulated the essence of their relationship, a place where Cher felt most herself.

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Cher also highlights the remarkable ease with which their friendship has endured even after the flames of romance faded. "I don’t know how we stayed friends, we just did," she muses. "We didn’t try. We just were." This speaks to the authenticity of their connection, a bond that transcended the boundaries of romance and remained steadfast over the years.

The Genesis of Their Love Story

The journey of Cher and Val’s relationship began at a birthday party in 1981, where they were introduced by a mutual friend. From the start, their connection was undeniable. "We became friends because we laughed at the same things constantly," Cher recalls. "He would sleep over, and it was just a friendship [at first]." This friendship blossomed into something more profound, leading them to become an exclusive couple despite a 13-year age gap.

Cher admits that she initially doubted their compatibility. "I was thinking, 'This guy is nuts.' He was so young. Was he 22? What was I? I don’t know… 30-something," she confesses. Yet, she acknowledges that taking a chance on their love was one of the best decisions she ever made. "It was a bigger deal back then," she reflects. "The truth was, if I hadn’t gone out with younger men, I would have never had a date."