Cher Honors Ex-Boyfriend Val Kilmer Following His Death at 65: A Love Story That Defined the 80s
The heartbreaking news of Val Kilmer's passing at 65 has sent waves of grief across the world, with fans and celebrities alike mourning the loss of a Hollywood icon. Among those deeply affected is music legend Cher, who took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute to her former lover and lifelong friend, affectionately known as "Valus."
Cher and Val Kilmer's Unlikely Romance: A Hollywood Love Story
In the glamourous, fast-paced world of 1980s Hollywood, where fame, passion, and excess ruled, the romance between Cher and Val Kilmer was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite their stark differences, the two stars formed a deep bond that captivated both the public and the media.
Excited for the Top Gun 2 Maverick premiere today! Check out Cher and I at the original top gun premiere in NYC over thirty five years ago.
My how time flies!#PrepareForTakeOff #TOPGUNMAVERICK @TomCruise @ParamountPics pic.twitter.com/d5WPijqo6n
— Val Kilmer (@valkilmer) May 5, 2022
Cher, already a global icon with a successful music career, was 14 years older than Kilmer, who was a rising star in Hollywood. Yet, their love story defied all expectations. Cher, reflecting on their relationship in a 2021 interview with People, shared how their age gap didn’t matter in the face of true connection:
"Was he 22? What was I? I don’t know. 30-something. It was a bigger deal back then. The truth was if I hadn’t gone out with younger men, I would have never had a date. Younger men weren’t intimidated by older women. But older men in my age category, they weren’t having it."
Cher’s Heartfelt Memories of Val Kilmer
Cher often spoke fondly of Kilmer’s unique personality, which she described as both "exasperating and hysterical"—a combination that made him unforgettable. The couple also had playful, endearing nicknames for each other. “We called ourselves Sid and Ethel. Val didn’t want to yell ‘Cher,’ and I didn’t want to yell ‘Val.’ We also called ourselves Valus Maximus and Cherus Reprimandus. Of course, he was Maximus,” Cher revealed.
Despite their intense love, their relationship eventually shifted, evolving into a deep friendship. Cher noted that their bond, lasting decades, was a rare kind of connection:
"It went from madly in love and laughing hysterically to respecting each other’s ability... I don’t know how we stayed friends, we just did. We didn’t try. We just were."
Cher’s Support During Val’s Health Struggles
When Val Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, Cher stepped in to provide unwavering support. Despite his worsening health, Kilmer remained brave, facing his illness with incredible strength. Cher recalled the difficult moments during his battle:
“He was at my house a lot of the time he was sick. He was brave the whole time. I saw how sick he was… he was so sick and coughing up blood,” Cher shared in an interview with People.
Kilmer’s battle with cancer took a toll on his speaking voice, leading to a tracheostomy, but his courage in sharing his journey with the world through his documentary, Val, resonated deeply with Cher. She praised Kilmer for his openness:
“I loved him – and I love him… Look what he created and even the things he let you see that nobody would let you see,” she said, referring to Kilmer’s candid portrayal of his life, struggles, and triumphs in the film.
Cher’s Final Goodbye to Valus
On April 1, 2025, as the news of Val Kilmer’s death spread, Cher paid an emotional tribute on social media. Her heartfelt message, shared with her millions of followers, was a bittersweet farewell to the man who had been part of her life for over 40 years:
“VALUS. Will miss u, U Were Funny, crazy, pain in the ass, GREAT FRIEND, kids [heart] U, BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness.”
Cher’s post quickly flooded with tributes from fans, sharing their condolences and recalling the special connection between the two icons. One fan wrote, "I’m so sorry for your loss! May his brilliant soul rest in peace." Another added, "It’s really sad. I know how special he was to you and the bond you shared."
A Love That Lasted Beyond Time
The relationship between Cher and Val Kilmer, though unexpected, remains one of Hollywood’s most captivating stories. Their enduring connection, from passionate love to a deep friendship, serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary romances defy all odds.
Remembering Cher and Val Kilmer’s Iconic Love Story
Do you recall the unforgettable love story between Cher and Val Kilmer? Share your thoughts and favorite memories in the comments below, and let us know how their relationship left an impression on you.
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