Cher Honors Former Partner Val Kilmer Following His Death: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Legendary Artist
Cher reflects on their decades-long bond, celebrating Val’s brilliance and courage.
On April 2, 2025, Cher shared an emotional tribute to her former partner, Val Kilmer, following his death on April 1. The pop icon, who dated the actor in the 1980s, took to social media to honor his memory, offering a glimpse into their profound and enduring connection. In her post, Cher described Val as not just a “pain in the ass” at times, but also a “great friend” and a “brilliant” artist who embodied both humor and strength—especially during his battle with illness.
“VALUS Will miss u, U Were Funny, crazy, pain in the ass, GREAT FRIEND, kidsU, BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness,” Cher wrote, affectionately calling him “Valus,” a nickname from their time together.
The bond between Cher and Val Kilmer lasted far beyond their romantic relationship, growing into a deep, lasting friendship that spanned over 40 years. Cher has often spoken fondly of her former partners, including Sonny Bono and Gregg Allman, but when it came to Val, she admitted, “When we kissed, I thought my head would shoot right off my body.” Their connection, while passionate and filled with laughter, eventually shifted into a mutual respect for each other’s talents and creativity. “He’s like nobody I’ve ever known. He is exasperating and hysterical. Thrilling and funny, and doesn’t do what anyone else does,” Cher once said of him in a 2021 interview.
A Unique and Powerful Bond
Their story began in the early 1980s at a birthday party, where a young Val, just in his 20s, caught Cher’s eye. Despite the age gap—she was in her 30s—the pair immediately clicked over their shared wit and artistic drive.
They started as friends, laughing constantly before their relationship grew into a passionate romance. As Cher reflected years later, their relationship was a whirlwind of love, laughter, and mutual admiration. “It went from madly in love and laughing hysterically to respecting each other’s ability,” Cher explained.
Their playful nicknames for one another, including Sid and Ethel, Valus Maximus and Cherus Reprimandus, added a touch of humor and affection to their connection. Despite the romance ending, their bond only deepened, and they continued to support one another throughout their lives. Cher once shared a heartwarming memory of spending New Year’s Eve with their children, doing art projects together—an example of the enduring friendship they maintained.
Supporting Each Other Through Life’s Challenges
Although their romantic relationship ended, Cher remained by Val’s side, especially during his years of health struggles. Val’s battle with throat cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2014, did not break the bond they shared.
Cher was with him during some of his most difficult moments, offering her unwavering support. Val’s illness had taken a toll on him, but his creative spirit never waned. His documentary Val showcased his resilience and continued to inspire many.
Cher’s tribute also highlighted Val’s bravery during his illness, recalling how he pushed through even when life became unbearably hard. “You are brave and beyond brilliant,” Cher wrote in her tribute. Their relationship—both as lovers and lifelong friends—was a testament to Val’s strength, humor, and unyielding dedication to living fully, no matter the obstacles in his path.
Val Kilmer: An Icon of Unmatched Talent
Val Kilmer, best known for his roles in Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever, left a legacy as a fearless and versatile actor. From playing the iconic Jim Morrison to portraying the Caped Crusader, Val’s career was marked by his ability to disappear into each character. His role as the rebellious and magnetic Jim Morrison in The Doors remains one of his most memorable performances, cementing his place in cinematic history.
Val’s career spanned decades, with notable performances in films like Tombstone, Thunderheart, Pollock, and Heat. He took on challenging roles with a raw intensity, never shying away from complexity. His off-screen life, however, was just as compelling, as he navigated health struggles with grace and courage, continuing to create art and share his voice even after losing much of his ability to speak due to cancer treatments.
A Legacy of Art and Courage
In his later years, Val turned to painting, sharing his visual art with the world. Despite the changes in his voice and appearance, he never stopped creating. His art became an extension of the authenticity and depth that he brought to his acting, embodying his belief in the power of creativity to inspire and educate.
The late actor’s dedication to his craft remained unwavering until the end. Even during his battle with illness, Val continued to work on projects close to his heart, including his role in Paydirt (2020), where his character mirrored his own struggle with a speech disability. It was a poignant and historic moment, one that symbolized not just resilience but the transformative power of art.
In his final social media posts, Val continued to inspire with messages about the importance of art, creativity, and empathy. His work, including his ongoing efforts with the TwainMania Foundation, focused on promoting literacy, tolerance, and the power of education to shape a more compassionate world. These efforts reflected his commitment to making a difference, both through his acting and beyond the screen.
Val Kilmer’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those who knew him and those who admired his artistry. His legacy of fearless performances, unrelenting passion for creativity, and deep love for his family and friends will continue to inspire future generations.
Rest in peace, Val. You were one of a kind. 