Los Angeles, California – Cher reveals a fascinating anecdote from her eventful life in her latest book, “Cher: The Memoir, Part One.” In this memoir, the accomplished Oscar and Grammy winner delves into the surprising discovery she made when attempting to legally change her name in 1979.
In a revealing passage, Cher discloses that she was taken aback to find out that her birth certificate listed her first name as Cheryl, rather than the Cherilyn she had always believed it to be. The legendary “Moonstruck” star recounts how her mother, Georgia Holt, who was just 19 when Cher was born in 1946, inadvertently selected the name due to fatigue after childbirth.
Upon being asked for the baby’s name by a nurse, Holt, struggling to come up with a name on the spot, drew inspiration from her favorite actress, Lana Turner, and her mother’s name, Lynda. Hence, Cherilyn was born as a combination of the two names, setting the stage for Cher’s iconic mononym.
Cher candidly confronted her mother about this revelation, questioning whether her true name had been known to her all along. Holt, reflecting on her teenage years and the pain she endured during childbirth, offered a candid response, asking for understanding from her daughter.
In 1979, Cher made the decision to legally change her name to simply “Cher,” shedding her birth name of Cherilyn and relinquishing the surnames of her father and former husbands. The memoir sheds light on this pivotal moment in Cher’s life, offering readers a deeper insight into the woman behind the star persona.
“Cher: The Memoir, Part One” hit bookshelves on November 19, inviting readers to embark on a journey through Cher’s remarkable life and career. The memoir promises to be a captivating and candid exploration of the iconic artist’s experiences and reflections, providing an intimate portrait of one of the most enduring figures in show business.