The highly anticipated Cher memoir, The Memoir: Part One, was released last week and takes readers on an intimate journey through the life of one of the most iconic performers of all time. Known for her larger-than-life persona, the singer and actor opens up about her struggles, triumphs, and the moments that shaped her extraordinary career. But even for her super fans, there were still a few surprises amongst the pages. Here are some of the things we’ve learned from her candid account.

A tumultuous childhood

Cher was born Cherilyn Sarkisian in 1946 to a mother, Georgia Holt, who juggled her own ambitions in entertainment with raising a family. Her early life was marked by financial hardship, frequent moves, and time spent in an orphanage when her mother could no longer care for her. Despite these challenges, Cher reflects on the resilience her upbringing instilled in her, laying the foundation for her drive to succeed.

Finding her name

One of the surprising anecdotes from her memoir is Cher's discovery at the age of 33 that her real birth name was Cheryl, not Cherilyn, due to a clerical error on her birth certificate. This revelation came when she legally changed her name to Cher, a decision that cemented her single-name icon status.

Love, loss, and Sonny Bono

Cher dives into her relationship with Sonny Bono, her first husband and longtime collaborator. She recalls both the magic and challenges of their partnership, including an incident early in their relationship where Sonny’s controlling tendencies surfaced. Cher asserts that she stood up for herself, setting the tone for her future independence.

Unexpected encounters with legends

The memoir brims with stories of Cher’s encounters with some of the biggest names in pop culture. She recounts a night at the Playboy Mansion with a drunken John Lennon who ended up skinny-dipping and a teenage swim with Warren Beatty, wearing Natalie Wood’s bathing suit.

Reflections on motherhood and choice

Cher speaks candidly about her experiences with miscarriages and abortions. In a poignant revelation, she shares that her own mother almost terminated the pregnancy that resulted in her birth, a decision Cher says defined her appreciation for life’s fragility.

The exhausting memoir process

Writing her memoir was no small feat. Cher confesses to discarding her initial draft for being too guarded. She ultimately decided to embrace vulnerability, crafting a memoir that feels deeply personal and honest.

The Cher memoir, The Memoir: Part One is available to purchase online via Amazon, and at all good book stores.