Cher Placed Youngest Son in Boarding School & ‘Punished’ Him — He Met His True Love & Wed Her without Mom’s Approval
Cher's youngest son, Elijah Blue Allman, challenges convention by pursuing his heart's desire even in the face of his mother's disapproval. He grew up in boarding schools, survived a serious illness, and married his true love without his mother's blessing. Elijah's story shows how he followed his own path and sought love and acceptance in his own way.
Cher is a luminous figure in the music and entertainment industry who has graced audiences with her enchanting voice and captivating performances for decades. She is also a mother of two children from her previous marriages. From her marriage to the singer-songwriter Sonny Bono in 1964, their harmonious union extended beyond their musical collaborations, birthing their only child, Chaz, in 1969.
Cher's pregnancy paralleled the filming of hers and Bono's project, "Chastity," a fitting inspiration for their newborn's name. His celebrity parents raising him in the spotlight shaped his artistic ambitions and saw him blossom early on, with Cher standing as a steadfast pillar of support. Throughout Chaz's upbringing, Cher's genuine pride and unwavering support served as a foundation for his artistic pursuits.
Chastity (Chaz) Bono, Sonny Bono & Cher, circa 1973. | Source: Getty Images
An aspiring actor from the age of 14, Chaz found his calling and a source of encouragement in his mother's unwavering belief in his talents. In a conversation with Closer Weekly, Chaz candidly discussed the evolving dynamics he shares with his iconic mother. Their bond mirrors the heartwarming nuances of a parent-child relationship, capturing the endearing moments that only they can share. Chaz said:
"She's a fan of my work. She's been really encouraging and a great, sympathetic ear."
Their relationship blossomed as one marked by mutual respect and camaraderie, setting the stage for a story that would contrast with the complexities of Cher's youngest son Elijah's journey.
Cher and Chastity Bono (Chaz) on February 2, 1983 in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Why Did Cher "Punish" Her Youngest Child?
On July 10, 1976, amid the tumultuous backdrop of her second marriage, Cher welcomed her youngest child, Elijah Blue Allman, into the world. Her marriage to rock star Greg Allman in June 1975 was marked by uncertainty and rapid changes. The then 30-year-old entertainer filed a petition in Superior Court, seeking child support for their 7-month-old son, Elijah.
In response to his perceived misbehavior at school, Cher enacted a stern measure, sending him to a military school for an entire year.
The petition also delved into complex property rights, though the specifics remained undisclosed. This legal maneuver followed Cher's swift divorce from her longtime show business partner, Bono, merely three days before her union with Allman. Their whirlwind marriage was not without its share of turmoil.
Gregg Allman & Cher in October 1977 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Cher and Allman found themselves separated just five days after their wedding, a pattern that echoed throughout their 20-month union. The singer's initial declaration of "I made a mistake" was followed by a brief reconciliation, only to be punctuated by renewed strife. Despite these challenges, the couple's union yielded the birth of Elijah, a precious addition to a union rife with complexities.
As Elijah would later reveal, his childhood bore witness to the strains within his parents' relationship. Sent off to boarding school at the tender age of seven, he found himself grappling with feelings of exclusion and abandonment. Reflecting on those formative years, Elijah candidly shared:
"When you go to boarding school at 7 years old, it's kind of hard to feel like you're not being shunned."
Cher and son Elijah Blue Allman on March 20, 1977 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
A sentiment of injustice lingered, a testament to the enduring impact of such a pivotal experience. One episode that reverberated through Elijah's upbringing was a moment of discipline that left an indelible mark. In response to his perceived misbehavior at school, Cher enacted a stern measure, sending him to a military school for an entire year.
Elijah faced a major challenge in his life when he contracted Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can cause serious complications if left untreated.
This deliberate act of "punishment" is one of the occurrences that led to their strained familial relationship. Elijah's journey through a series of boarding schools over a ten-year span affected his sense of identity and belonging. The intricacies of his upbringing became integral to shaping his character, propelling him toward a future defined by his own choices and aspirations.
Cher and son Elijah Blue Allman | Source: Getty Images
The Truth About Why Cher Skipped Elijah's Wedding
Elijah faced a major challenge in his life when he contracted Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can cause serious complications if left untreated. Battling against a near-fatal bout of the disease, Elijah's path to recovery wound through Germany, where he not only found healing but also encountered the love of his life, Angie King. As he reminisced, Elijah noted:
"Yes, this then makes you look back at this hideous ordeal that you went through that would lead you to meeting the love of your life, and this is how crazy life is."
When the couple announced their engagement, friends and family members, including Cher's mother, Georgia Holt, extended their congratulations. But rather than being met with celebratory applause from his megastar mother, the news was met with silence. Not one to wait for validation, Elijah and Angie took matters into their own hands and chose to elope.
Cher and son Elijah Blue Allman | Source: Getty Images
Their intimate ceremony unfolded by the warmth of a fireplace in their Beverly Hills abode, witnessed by a select few friends, including rapper Mickey Avalon. Despite the bumps along the way and the absence of a conventional family embrace, Elijah remained hopeful for the future. He envisioned a reconnection with his mother, believing that such a reunion would unfold at its own pace, much like the rhythm of life itself.
Cher on January 17, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Cher's influence and impact on his life remained undeniable, and Elijah's admiration for her remained steadfast, a nod to the enduring bond between a parent and a child. As he expressed it, "You know, she's really talented. She's gorgeous -- I mean, she's Cher. What's not to love?"
Elijah Blue Allman at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In the meantime, Elijah wanted to live in the moment, happily married and away from the spotlight. His favorite pastime was chopping wood in his backyard and spending time at home with his wife watching "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
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