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Cher is opening up about her whirlwind romance with KISS bassist Gene Simmons in her new memoir, "Cher: The Memoir, Part One." The 78-year-old star reveals fresh insights into their relationship, which spanned from 1977 to 1979, describing their unique bond despite its unconventional nature.
The pair first crossed paths at a reception for President Gerald Ford, hosted by Neil Bogart, head of Cher's record label. When introduced to Simmons, Cher humorously mistook him for British actress Jean Simmons. Yet, by the night's end, she was captivated by his charm.
Their relationship started with memorable gestures. After Simmons drove Cher home, he returned the next day with KISS merchandise for her son, Chaz Bono. The couple's first official date was at a Tubes concert, but Simmons, known for his larger-than-life persona, flirted with both Cher and her friend. The next day, he called to apologize—a move that might have ended the connection, but fate had other plans.
Even while traveling in Japan, Simmons couldn't keep away, racking up an extravagant $2,800 phone bill to speak with Cher. During one of these calls, he surprised her by professing his love. "That's when he blurted out that he loved me," the iconic singer and actress writes. "We hadn't even kissed. We'd only been out once before he left. What is it with these men?"
A Liberated Love
After Cher split from Gregg Allman in 1979, she began dating Simmons. Despite their deep connection, Cher describes their relationship as nontraditional. In a PEOPLE interview, she called it "the best relationship I've ever had with a human being" while also admitting they weren't entirely monogamous.
"I'm going through a very liberated phase right now," Cher said. "I think I have a very masculine attitude to dating… Gene might spend time with another woman and stay the night, but he wants her to leave in the morning so he can get on with his day."
For her part, Cher revealed she only sought other men for companionship, affirming, "Gene is the only one I'm crazy about. All my relationships are serious. I don't screw around."
Simmons, meanwhile, echoed Cher's sentiments in the interview, calling her his "first love" and marveling at her character. "Cher's an untainted soul who has never done anything bad to anybody," he said.
An Unconventional Ending
Though their love story was passionate, it ended when Simmons left Cher for another music legend, Diana Ross. Despite the heartbreak, Cher has fond memories of their time together, and their relationship remains an integral chapter in her storied life.
Cher's memoir captures this high-profile romance and reflects her extraordinary journey through fame, love, and reinvention. For fans, it offers an intimate glimpse into her relationships and the enduring strength that has defined her decades-long career.