Cher Pays Tribute To Her ‘Funny’ Former Lover, Val Kilmer

The death of acclaimed “Top Gun” actor Val Kilmer has sparked tributes, including from singer Cher, who had a deep bond with him.

They dated from 1982 to 1984 and remained close despite their split. Kilmer praised Cher’s unwavering support, especially during his illness.

In his memoir, Val Kilmer highlighted her loyalty, writing that once Cher enters your heart, “she never leaves.”

Kilmer passed away at 65, after battling pneumonia in Los Angeles on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy that touched many.

His passing caused an outpouring of tributes from fans and friends alike, including singer Cher.

The two were involved in a romantic relationship that drew attention in Hollywood due to their 13-year age gap.

Despite her being “madly in love” with Kilmer, Cher, 78 revealed last November that he was the one who ended their relationship.

On Wednesday, the legendary singer took to social media to honor her late ex-partner’s memory, writing: “VALUS, I’ll miss you. U Were funny, crazy, pain in the a-s, GREAT FRIEND, kids [love] U. BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness.”

Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement on Wednesday morning.

Cher previously reflected on her romance with Kilmer while promoting her book, “Cher: The Memoir,” on “The Howard Stern Show” last November.

During the interview, Stern asked if men “expect fabulous sex because you’re Cher?”

Without hesitation, the “Dark Lady” singer replied, “Yes, and they get it.” When he pressed further, asking how she knew, she quipped, “You could tell by the reaction.”

Stern then asked, “Who would ever leave you?” to which Cher playfully responded, “Few men, few men.” However, she went on to reveal, “I was madly in love with Val Kilmer, and he left.”

When asked why, the actress explained, “Because sometimes you’re only meant to stay with someone so long.” She added that Val was “really young” at the time.

Although their romantic relationship ended, their deep friendship endured. Cher remained a steadfast supporter of Kilmer, especially during his battle with throat cancer.

In his memoir, Kilmer reflected on Cher’s support during one of his most challenging times, recalling how she “stepped in and stepped up” when he was hospitalized.

“Even in my grave condition, I saw her scanning the paramedic, who was Gregory Peck drop-dead handsome. Only in Hollywood, right?” he wrote, per the Daily Mail.

“Despite the fact that I was covered in blood, I caught her eye and bounced my brows like Groucho Marx—hubba hubba,” he recalled. “Cher was bashful to be busted but then couldn’t help laughing out loud at the audacity.”

“Here we were, joking about beauty and desire, while I looked like a stunt man from Tarantino’s ‘Reservoir Dogs,’ and, yes, while my life seemed to be in mortal danger, we laughed out loud before they finished with my vitals and shut me up with an oxygen mask,” he shared.

Following his hospital stay, Cher welcomed him into her Malibu guest house, offering him a place to recover.

“Once Cher works her way inside your head and heart, she never leaves,” Kilmer wrote. “For her true friends, her steadfast love and loyalty never die.”

Cher has spoken fondly of her romance with Kilmer, recalling the intense chemistry they shared.

In a 2018 interview, she admitted, “When we kissed, I thought my head would shoot right off my body.”

In 2021, she provided more insight into how their relationship began, revealing they first met at her birthday party.

“I met him at a birthday party my friend was having for me. She said, ‘I invited this guy and I think either you or my friend who’s an editor will like him,”‘ Cher recalled.

Their connection started as a friendship built on shared humor.

“We became friends because we laughed at the same things constantly. He would sleep over and it was just a friendship [at first],” Cher noted, adding, “That took a long time. Well, I guess not really a long time.”

The singer also acknowledged that their 13-year age gap “was a bigger deal back then.”

Fans have since taken to social media to pay tribute to Kilmer after his passing.

On a post on the actor’s Instagram page, a person wrote, “So sad Val Kilmer. Thank you for your art and movies you are the best. My condoleance to your kids Mercedes and Jack. You live in those 2 . Thank you Val.”

Another commented, “You were an amazing actor with roles that will live on forever. Rest in Peace.”

A third person noted, “Heartbroken to hear the news of your passing. You were one of the good ones. A iconic talented man and you will be missed tremendously.”

One more person said, “Will miss you Val. Thank you for making our childhoods and cinema in general so special. Rest in peace .”