Cher, the iconic pop singer, has uncovered a surprising truth about her birth name, revealing a discrepancy with her understanding for decades.
In a revelation that has intrigued fans and followers, Cher disclosed in her newly released autobiography that the name she believed to be hers since childhood was not the one recorded on her birth certificate. The discovery came when Cher, now 78, decided to legally streamline her name to simply ‘Cher’, a name that had become synonymous with her public persona and entertainment career.
The memoir, titled “Cher: The Memoir, Part One,” details how she lived under the assumption that her name was Cherilyn, a choice she thought was made by her mother, Georgia Holt. Cher recounts a moment when Holt, immediately after her birth in 1946, was asked to name her child by a persistent nurse. With no concrete decision at that time, Holt whimsically chose the name Cherilyn, influenced by the actress Lana Turner’s daughter, Cheryl, and wanting to incorporate her mother’s name Lynda. However, the official birth certificate stated otherwise.
It wasn’t until years later, during the process of formalizing her name to Cher, that she required a copy of her birth certificate, leading to the unexpected discovery that her legal name was registered as Cheryl. This event prompted Cher to question her mother, who, recalling her own challenging postpartum experience at 19, humorously asked to see the documentation herself, acknowledging her forgetfulness at the time.
Cher’s decision to adopt the single name was further clarified during an appearance on “The Tonight Show,” where she expressed the simplicity and identity of just ‘Cher’. By doing so, she aimed to avoid the confusion that came with her multiple surnames—Sarkisian, LaPiere, Bono, and Allman from her birth, stepfather, and two marriages. Cher’s shift to a singular moniker reflects both a personal preference and a strategic choice for her professional brand.
Additionally, the entertainment world remains abuzz not only with this personal revelation but also with other celebrity news, such as Adele’s emotional message as she concluded her Las Vegas residency. However, Cher’s unique journey with her name stands out, offering a glimpse into how an icon solidifies her legacy through personal discovery.
Cher’s candid account in her memoir sheds light on her journey of self-identification and the intriguing tale of her birth name. Her preference to be recognized as simply ‘Cher’ underlines her control over her identity amidst decades of a legendary career. This revelation adds another layer to the storied life of one of the most enduring figures in pop culture.
Source: NBCMiami
