Let me tell you a story about two iconic figures in Hollywood—Cher and Val Kilmer. Picture this: it's the early '80s, and Val, who was just 21 at the time, wasn’t exactly jumping at the chance when a friend of Cher’s approached him in a New York City diner. "Not out of arrogance," Val writes in his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, "but because I assumed we had nothing in common." But hey, sometimes you just have to take a chance. Val eventually agreed to meet her, and what happened next? He ended up so captivated that he offered Cher, who was in her mid-30s at the time, a ride home on the back of his Harley.

From Casual Encounter to Lifelong Bond

That fateful meeting sparked a rollercoaster of a relationship. It wasn’t just a fleeting romance; it was the beginning of a deep, lasting friendship that would prove invaluable years later. Val describes their connection as a “forever” friendship, one that helped him navigate through the darkest days of his battle with throat cancer. "We had a wild ride, running around the world, and though we eventually went our separate ways," he writes, "our spirits stayed connected." Cher and Val's relationship wasn't just about romance—it was about the profound bond they shared, one that transcended the typical ups and downs of a Hollywood love story.

More Than Just Lovers

During their time together, Val and Cher weren't your typical Hollywood couple. They weren’t swept up in the glitz and glamour. Instead, they were more like best friends, driven by curiosity and intellect. "It wasn’t just about being lovers," Val explains. "It was about a deep connection, a shared understanding of each other’s worlds." When their romantic relationship came to an end, there were no hard feelings—just a friendship that grew stronger. That’s the beauty of their bond; it wasn’t confined by labels or expectations.

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Val Kilmer and Cher — Alan Davidson/Shutterstock

A Lifesaving Friendship

Fast forward to the 2008 financial crisis, and Val found himself in a tough spot. He had to sell his home in New Mexico, leading him to rent a cottage in Malibu, conveniently close to Cher. This proximity reignited their friendship and, in a twist of fate, saved his life. "I discovered a lump in my throat that turned out to be cancer," Val recalls. "After my breathing challenges, Cher invited me to stay in her guesthouse." One night, when Val awoke vomiting blood, Cher was there for him, steadying his spirits and showing care that was nothing short of extraordinary. Even in the midst of such a serious situation, they managed to find humor, with Cher checking out the paramedics. Their bond was unshakable, helping Val through his darkest hour. Now in remission, Val reflects on Cher's unwavering loyalty and love for her true friends.

For more on this heartwarming story, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now at newsstands!