Cher on Life After 80: Why the Iconic Singer Has Set Her Limit

At 78, Cher, the legendary singer, actress, and pop culture icon, has been candidly reflecting on aging, revealing what age she considers to be her own “limit.” Speaking to The LA Times, the “Believe” singer shared her views on living past her current age, explaining why she feels she is “past [her] sell-by date.” When asked if she hopes to reach 96, the age her mother, Georgia Holt, was when she passed away in 2022, Cher thoughtfully responded: “No, I’m thinking about 80. I mean, I’m already past my sell-by date.”

For Cher, the 80-year mark represents a significant milestone that evokes memories of her mother, who remained vibrant and strong at that age. “My mom was great at 80 – I did a special with my mom at 80,” she recalled. Cher also expressed that the idea of living beyond 80 doesn’t appeal to her if it means she wouldn’t “be [herself].” Known for her fierce independence, Cher’s approach to aging underlines her desire to stay true to her authentic self—something that has defined her career and persona for decades.

Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, was an accomplished actress, singer, and model whose influence in Cher’s life was profound. Their close relationship became the subject of a 2013 documentary Dear Mom, Love Cher, which Cher executive produced. It gave fans an intimate glimpse into the bond between mother and daughter, highlighting the values that Holt instilled in Cher from an early age. Cher announced Holt’s passing in December 2022 with a touching message, “Mom’s gone,” accompanied by a sad-face emoji.

Rising to stardom in the 1960s as one-half of Sonny & Cher, Cher’s solo career catapulted her into the ranks of music history, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Her achievements extend beyond music, as she won an Academy Award for her performance in Moonstruck in 1988. Reflecting on her contributions to the entertainment industry, she hinted that she may have helped pave the way for today’s female superstars, like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. “I like all of those girls a lot,” she said, “I’m really proud of this new generation of women because they get a chance to do what they want to do. And I feel that I might have been a part of that.”

Cher’s remarks offer a unique glimpse into her perspective on life after 80—a topic that few celebrities speak about openly. In her view, aging gracefully involves setting one’s own boundaries and embracing personal limits.