What Happened to Sonny & Cher?

Sonny & Cher, comprised of Salvatore 'Sonny' Bono and Cherilyn Sarkisian, emerged as a prominent folk-rock and pop duo in the mid-1960s, becoming cultural icons with their distinctive style and hit songs such as "I Got You Babe" (1965) and "The Beat Goes On." Their success extended to television with "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour" (1971–1974), which solidified their status as household names. However, behind their public image of a loving couple, their marriage was fraught with personal and professional tensions, including Sonny's controlling nature over Cher's finances and career, and infidelity. Cher filed for divorce in 1974, citing "involuntary servitude," and their divorce was finalized in 1975, marking the end of their professional partnership as a duo.

Following their split, both embarked on individual paths. Sonny Bono pursued a career in politics, first serving as the Mayor of Palm Springs from 1988 to 1992, where he spearheaded the creation of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. He then successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California's 44th district from 1995 until his death. Sonny Bono died on January 5, 1998, at the age of 62, from massive head injuries sustained in a skiing accident at Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe, California. His death was widely mourned, and later that year, the duo received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Cher's solo career flourished, establishing her as a multifaceted superstar in music, film, and television. She achieved further chart success with hits like "Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves" and later the global phenomenon "Believe." Her acting career garnered critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Moonstruck" (1987). Cher has consistently reinvented herself, maintaining cultural relevance across six decades. In 2024, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and won a lawsuit against Sonny's widow, Mary Bono, for unpaid royalties, though she was ordered to pay attorney's fees. She also released the first part of her two-part memoir in November 2024.

As of 2026, Cher remains highly active in the entertainment industry. She celebrated her 80th birthday on May 20, 2026. In January 2026, she received the prestigious Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards, marking her first appearance on the Grammy stage in 18 years. A 2026 World Tour schedule, encompassing 32 dates across North America, Europe, and Australia, was announced, though some sources indicate potential postponements for her 'Here We Go Again Tour' into 2026-2027. Her son, Chaz Bono, also made headlines in March 2026 by marrying Shara Blue Mathes. Cher's net worth in 2026 is estimated at $360 million, a testament to her enduring career and diversified business ventures.